The CF-116 Freedom Fighter was built by Canadair under license from Northrop. It was upgraded for Canadian use with the Canadian built Orenda J85 engine. These engines provided more power than what was used in the American version of this aircraft. As required to meet Canada’s NATO commitments, all of Canada’s CF-5s were equipped with in-flight refuelling probes, stronger windshields against bird strikes, extra armour, and improved gun sights. Canadian production began in Montreal in 1967, eight years after the first F-5 prototype was made in the USA. The first one was delivered in November 1968 and the aircraft’s designation was changed to CF-116.

Despite its manoeuvrability, the Freedom Fighter was ill-suited for its role with NATO. It could not cross the Atlantic without in-flight refueling. Its range was only 314 kilometers (195 miles), and was too small to carry enough weaponry (it only had two 20 mm cannon) or fuel. The last of the CF-116s to be delivered went straight into storage in North Bay and Trenton.

Freedom Fighter 116739 was taken on strength on April 7, 1970. It served with 433 Squadron, based out of CFB Bagotville, Quebec and 434 Squadron, at CFB Chatham, New Brunswick. In 1989, it transferred to 419 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta, until 1991, when it was put into storage at CFB Trenton. In 1995 it became part of the collection of the National Air Force Museum of Canada, and was mounted on a plinth just off Highway 401 in that same year. It can still be seen at exit 526, enroute to the NAFMC.