LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The United States ambassador to Canada visited Luke Air Force Base this week to observe F-35 training operations and meet with Airmen and leaders supporting U.S. and partner-nation pilot training. The visit comes as Luke prepares to support future Royal Canadian Air Force F-35 pilot training, with Canadian aircraft projected to be initially based at the installation as Canada completes infrastructure to support aircraft delivery and operations at home.
Luke Air Force Base is the largest F-35 training installation in the world and serves as a central hub for U.S. and allied fifth-generation fighter training.
“This visit reflects the enduring defense partnership between Canada and the United States,” said the Honorable Peter Hoekstra, U.S. Ambassador to Canada. “Training together at Luke strengthens interoperability and helps ensure our air forces are ready to operate as one team when it matters.”
Hoekstra toured multiple units and facilities across the base, including the 308th Fighter Squadron, the 309th Fighter Squadron, the Skip Hopper Flight Training Center and F-35 simulators. He also met with 56th Fighter Wing Commander Brig. Gen. David Berkland to discuss Luke’s role in fighter pilot training and international partnerships as well as an overview of how the base supports partner nations participating in the F-35 program.
“We’re proud Luke will be part of Canada’s path to fifth-generation readiness,” Berkland said. “Training alongside our Canadian teammates strengthens interoperability from day one; shared standards, shared tactics and a shared ability to execute together if called.”
The F-35 program is designed to enable advanced integration across allied air forces through shared tactics, information exchange and combined mission execution. Training alongside international partners helps ensure Airmen build the habits and coordination required to operate together in complex environments.
Hoekstra also highlighted the long-standing defense relationship between the United States and Canada, particularly through the North American Aerospace Defense Command, and discussed how fifth-generation capabilities contribute to NORAD modernization through advanced sensing and information-sharing.
“This partnership has always been about more than proximity, it’s about shared responsibility,” Hoekstra said. “As Canada brings the F-35 online, training with the United States will help ensure our forces can seamlessly defend North America.”
The ambassador’s visit included engagements with the instructors and Airmen responsible for training both U.S. and international pilots, the tactical experts building interoperability daily.
As Luke prepares for future RCAF training integration, the visit underscored what makes fifth-generation partnerships credible: Airmen training to the same standards, operating from a shared tactical foundation, and building the trust required to integrate quickly when it matters.