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4w ago

Canada Keeps F-35 Options Open as U.S. Warns on NORAD Link 16 and Saab Offers Local Production

U.S. control of Link 16 networking equipment gives Washington leverage over any shift away from a larger F-35 fleet.

The investigation is being led by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service of the Canadian Forces Military Police.
A Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter is seen being fitted with air-to-air missiles during a NATO air policing mission in Keflavík, Iceland. The Swedish-made fighters communicate well with Danish F-35s, say military officers observing the exercise.

Overview

  • Ottawa has contracted 16 F-35As and paid for long‑lead parts for 14 more to preserve production slots while a broader fleet review continues.
  • U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra cautioned that choosing a less interoperable fighter would force a reassessment of NORAD responsibilities, with the United States filling capability gaps if needed.
  • Reporting and analysis highlight that U.S.-controlled Link 16/MIDS hardware and encryption could be withheld, raising feasibility questions for a Gripen purchase or a mixed F‑35–Gripen fleet.
  • Saab is courting Canada with proposals for in‑country Gripen and GlobalEye production, thousands of jobs, and participation in future combat‑air technologies linked to Sweden’s KFS research program.
  • A leaked RCAF assessment reported by CBC showed the F‑35A outscoring the Gripen E by wide margins across evaluation criteria, averaging about 95% versus 33%.