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2h ago

Canada Weighs Sharp Cut to F-35 Buy in Mixed Fleet With Saab Gripen

Sovereignty concerns tied to U.S. dependence are pushing Ottawa to weigh a mixed fleet that swaps some F-35 capability for domestic work and supplier diversity.

A Norwegian F-35 Lightning II closes the gap to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 101st Air Refueling Wing during Nordic Response 24, March 11, 2024. The MAINEiacs are staged at RAF Mildenhall, England, to take part in the Norwegian-led exercise taking place in Norway, Sweden and Finland. Exercises like NR24 solidify operational and tactical relationships; synchronizing tactics, techniques and procedures; and strengthen bonds among U.S., Norwegian and Allied and partner forces.
Maj. Kristin “BEO” Wolfe demonstrates the capabilities of the F-35A Lighting II, a single seat, single engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighter aircraft, during a practice flight with the F-35 Demonstration Team at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Dec. 13, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jack Rodgers)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Emily Taylor, left, briefs Royal Canadian Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark Lachapelle, deputy commander, Alaskan NORAD Region, on the capabilities of the F-35A on Jan. 28, 2026.
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Overview

  • Canadian media report Ottawa is considering reducing the planned 88-jet purchase to no more than 40 F-35As and pairing them with up to 80 Saab Gripen Es.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos remarks about diversifying to rebuild sovereignty are being cited as a key driver of the rethink.
  • Under the F-35 partnership terms, Canada is currently obligated to accept only 16 aircraft unless the prime minister authorizes more.
  • Defense Minister David McGuinty says no decision has been reached on the composition of the fighter fleet.
  • Saab’s offer emphasizes deeper Canadian workshare with Bombardier and an aerospace package touted to create about 12,600 jobs, while analysts warn that scaling back F-35s could complicate NORAD interoperability and strain ties with Washington.