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5d ago

Canada Weighs Mixed Fighter Fleet as U.S. Warns of NORAD Changes

Ottawa weighs NORAD interoperability requirements against a Swedish industrial package promising local jobs.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, piloted by Maj. Melanie ‘MACH’ Kluesner, performs during the 2025 Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show over Battle Creek, Michigan, July 5, 2025. The F-35A Demonstration Team showcases the jet’s unique maneuverability and advanced capabilities at air shows across the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Zachary Rufus)
Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35s and a Swedish Air Force Saab Gripen fly with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber during joint operations over Europe in June 2024.

Overview

  • Canadian officials are considering a mixed fleet that adds Saab’s Gripen E and reduces the planned F-35 buy, according to a National Post report citing unnamed sources.
  • U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said NORAD would have to be altered if Canada does not proceed with 88 F-35s, indicating the United States could fly more of its own fighters in Canadian airspace.
  • A leaked RCAF evaluation reported to CBC indicated the F-35 outscored the Gripen E across metrics, with reported scores of 95% versus 33%.
  • Ottawa has funded an initial 16 F-35s and intends to keep those aircraft while the broader 88-jet plan remains under formal review.
  • Saab has pitched localized production of Gripen and GlobalEye in Canada, saying the package could support up to 12,600 jobs with Bombardier as a key partner.