Canada’s price looks meagre

— Hopes that Canada can still buy 65 F-35s for $9 billion have taken another hit after it was revealed that Japan will be paying significantly more for the fighters.

The Japanese deal, according to the U.S. Defense Security Co-operation Agency, totals $10 billion for 42 F-35s and associated costs like spare parts, training and logistical support. This is $238 million per aircraft.

In contrast, Canada has budgeted about $138 million for each of its 65 F-35s, when all associated costs are rolled in.

An Ottawa official said that before any decision to purchase is made, an independent review of costs will be made public.