Canada Continues Talks with SAAB for Gripen E Fighter Jets Amid F-35 Procurement
OTTAWA – Canada is maintaining discussions with Swedish defense manufacturer SAAB regarding teh potential acquisition of Gripen E fighter jets, even as the country moves forward with a previously announced contract for 35 F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin. the ongoing dialog signals a potential move towards a mixed fleet approach for the Royal canadian Air Force (RCAF).
The possibility of incorporating the Gripen E into Canada’s fighter jet programme comes as debate intensifies over the cost and sufficiency of the current procurement plan. Critics, including Quebec-based aviation analyst André Allard, argue that 88 fighter aircraft are inadequate to meet Canada’s NATO commitments and defend its territorial sovereignty, and that the F-35’s high purchase and maintenance costs necessitate a more affordable complement. allard points to the fact that all G7 nations operate mixed fleets. He further suggests canada requires a fleet of over 200 aircraft, recalling a time when Canada boasted the second-largest airline fleet globally with over 1,000 aircraft and a robust domestic aircraft production capacity.
The renewed interest in the Gripen E is also fueled by shifting geopolitical realities. While Canada’s need for a large air defense fleet diminished following the growth of intercontinental ballistic missiles by Russia in the late 1950s, the resurgence of Russian military activity and advancements in technology have underscored the importance of fighter jets for territorial defense. Allard believes the Gripen E represents a viable and cost-effective option, stating, “It’s not a question of if, but rather when, Canada will buy Gripen-Es from SAAB.”