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2d ago

Canada Reassesses F-35 Buy After Saab Tables Gripen Production Offer

Ottawa remains bound to an initial 16 F-35s with no final decision announced.

F-35 CF-1 Flt 453 piloted by Lockheed Martin test pilot Mr. Dan Canin flies with external GBU-31 weapons for the first time on an F-35, the test was flown from NAS Patuxent River, MD on 5 Aug 2016
F-35 JSF. Image Credit: Lockheed Martin.

Overview

  • Saab has provided detailed technical plans for a Canadian Gripen line that the company says could support up to about 12,600 jobs and enable faster three-year deliveries.
  • Canada’s existing contracts lock in 16 F-35A aircraft with pilot and maintainer training set at Luke Air Force Base as initial deliveries begin in 2026.
  • The government review is weighing a pivot or a mixed fleet, with one published opinion outlining roughly 30–40 F-35s for NORAD and 70–80 Gripens for Arctic and NATO roles.
  • The U.S. ambassador warned a reduced F-35 buy could affect NORAD arrangements, potentially increasing U.S. F-35 operations in Canadian airspace.
  • Analysts note the Gripen E uses the U.S.-made GE F414 engine subject to export controls, limiting prospects for full operational independence from U.S. supply chains.