The Canadian federal government is considering a mixed fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 and Saab Gripen fighter jets to replace its aging aircraft [1].
This shift in procurement strategy could significantly alter Canada's aerial defense capabilities and industrial partnerships. By diversifying its fleet, Ottawa aims to balance high-end stealth capabilities with more cost-effective options, while addressing national sovereignty concerns [1, 2, 3].
Internal discussions suggest the total number of aircraft could exceed the original target of 88 jets [1]. Some reports indicate the mixed fleet could total more than 100 aircraft [2], while other estimates suggest a potential total fleet size of 140 aircraft [3].
Under current considerations, the F-35 component of the fleet would consist of between 72 and 88 aircraft [2]. To complement these stealth fighters, Ottawa is exploring the purchase of 72 Gripen fighters [2]. However, a scale-back scenario is also being weighed, which would involve the purchase of 60 Swedish Gripen fighters instead [4].
The move toward a mixed fleet has created a divide among military experts. Some retired officers have urged the government to ignore the Gripen option and proceed solely with the F-35 purchase to ensure fleet uniformity [5].
Government officials in Ottawa continue to evaluate these options as part of ongoing 2025-2026 procurement discussions [1, 2]. The final decision will determine the long-term composition of Canada's combat air power and the scale of its investment in foreign aerospace technology [1, 3].
“The mixed fleet could total more than 100 aircraft”
Moving from a single-platform procurement to a mixed fleet suggests that Canada is prioritizing operational flexibility and cost-sharing over the streamlined logistics of a uniform fleet. If Ottawa opts for the higher end of the projected numbers—up to 140 aircraft—it would represent a significant expansion of its air force's footprint and a departure from previous budgetary constraints.
