Summary and Key Points: Amid growing political tensions with the U.S., Canada is reconsidering its planned purchase of 88 F-35 stealth fighters, potentially turning instead to Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
-Although Canada already committed funds for 16 F-35s, Prime Minister Mark Carney tasked Defense Minister Bill Blair to evaluate alternative aircraft to reduce reliance on America.
-While the Gripen offers lower costs, local production opportunities, and easier logistics, it lacks the F-35’s stealth and advanced fifth-generation capabilities, vital for protecting Canada’s expansive Arctic territory.
-Shifting to the Gripen would create logistical challenges and could weaken Canada’s strategic defense posture against modern threats.
Canada Might Drop the F-35 for Saab Gripen: A Smart Move or Big Mistake?
Tensions between the US and Canada over President Trump’s tariffs and continuing to call Canada the 51st state have led the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to tell the new Defense Minister, Bill Blair, to look for alternatives to the American F-35 for future purchase, and perhaps go to the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is seeking to purchase 88 new fighters to replace its aging fleet of CF-18s, the local designation for the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
Ottawa had announced its preference for the F-35A in late March 2022.
The contract is for $13 billion. But now, that contract may be in jeopardy.
Canada Reconsidering The F-35 Lightning II for JAS 39 Gripen
“At this time, the contract to purchase the F-35 remains in place, and Canada has made a legal commitment of funds for the first 16 aircraft. The Prime Minister has also asked the Minister of National Defence to work with CAF/DND [Canadian Armed Forces/Department of National Defence] to determine if the F-35 contract, as it stands, is the best investment for Canada. If there are other options that could better meet Canada’s needs,” Laurent de Casanove, press secretary for Canadian defense minister Bill Blair, said in a statement to Breaking Defense.
“To be clear, we are not canceling the F-35 contract, but we need to do our homework given the changing environment and make sure that the contract in its current form is in the best interests of Canadians and the Canadian Armed Forces,” de Casanove added.
Portugal has already decided to reconsider moving on from the F-35, and now Canada may follow suit. The JAS 39 Gripen is an outstanding fourth-generation fighter aircraft that lost to the F-35 in Canada and other countries.
The fifth generation F-35 Lightning II is now in service in 21 countries, including the US.
“Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will hold conversations with rival aircraft makers,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said just hours after being announced as the next Canadian Defense Minister on Friday.
Since Canada had already paid for the first 16 F-35s, Blair hinted that Canada could diversify the Canadian Air Force by adding European fighters so that the country’s defense would not be so reliant on the United States.
The most likely candidate is the JAS 39 Gripen, which the F-35 bested in the competition for the Canadian contract. While this scenario sounds feasible, it would create a logistical and organizational nightmare, significantly increasing infrastructure, training, and supply chain management costs.
Sweden has offered to assemble Gripens in Canada and transfer intellectual property, something the F-35 program does not permit. International F-35 operators (except Israel) “are not allowed to conduct independent test operations outside of the Continental United States (CONUS) based on US policy. United States Government (USG) security rules and National Defense Policy (NDP) require that US citizens perform specific functions to protect critical US technology,” the US Air Force website says.
Germany interpreted this rule to mean that the F-35 had a “kill switch,” which is a total fabrication.
Comparing The F-35 to the JAS 39
The Gripen is considered one of the best non-stealth combat aircraft in the world. Yet Saab has largely failed to secure additional sales for its fighters, while international sales campaigns have scored no successes since Brazil joined the Gripen E/F program in 2014.
Why? Most countries are opting for the F-35 Lightning II.
Many people frequently compare the two fighters, but there isn’t much comparison. Saab offers maintenance contracts and upgrades to keep the aircraft flying until 2035.
The F-35 is considered the most advanced aircraft in the world. It is now in service with 21 countries, including the United States, and because of its familiarity, it seamlessly integrates with NATO countries.
The bottom line is that the F-35 is an actual fifth-generation multirole aircraft with stealth capabilities. At the same time, the Gripen is still just an advanced fourth-generation fighter—a very good fourth-generation aircraft but not a fifth-generation stealth aircraft.
The F-35 is a significantly larger aircraft but slightly slower than the Gripen. Though the JAS 39 has a more extended range than the Lightning II, each can carry a similar weapons load—although the F-35 can operate in stealth mode.
Canada opted for the F-35 for a reason. It is a better aircraft than the Gripen. Yes, it is more expensive and more so to maintain, but the F-35’s stealth capability is precisely what Canada needs to protect its vast Arctic domain, which enemies want.
If Canada opts to terminate the F-35 contract, they won’t hurt Trump but their national defense.
About the Author and Expertise of Writer
Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
