The Canadian government is considering a fighter jet fleet larger than any in its history, potentially combining U.S.-made F-35s and Swedish-built Gripen-E aircraft [1, 2].
This procurement shift would represent a significant expansion of Canada's air-defense capabilities and a departure from previous procurement strategies. By diversifying its fleet, Ottawa could balance high-end stealth capabilities with the economic benefits of domestic manufacturing.
Sources indicate that the total number of aircraft in this mixed fleet could exceed 100 [3], with some reports suggesting the government is sizing up a fleet of as many as 140 aircraft [4]. The potential size of the F-35 component is estimated between 72 and 88 aircraft [3].
Swedish aerospace company Saab is actively lobbying for a role in this expansion. A Saab spokesperson said the company wants Canada to buy 72 Gripens and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft to fulfill a promise of 12,600 jobs [5].
The exact composition of the fleet remains a point of internal discussion. Some reports suggest Ottawa is considering Swedish jets for half of its future fighter fleet [6]. However, other sources indicate the government would still maintain a fleet of 72 to 88 F-35s even if it proceeds with the Gripen purchase [3].
This strategy aims to modernize the nation's air defense while stimulating the domestic economy. The inclusion of the Gripen-E would allow for more Canadian-built components and local maintenance hubs, a key selling point for Saab in its bid for the contract [5, 7].
“Ottawa is considering a fighter jet fleet larger than any in its history”
The move toward a mixed fleet suggests that Canada is attempting to hedge its bets between geopolitical alignment with the U.S. and the industrial advantages of a European partnership. By integrating both the F-35 and the Gripen, Canada can maintain interoperability with NATO allies while securing thousands of domestic jobs and reducing total reliance on a single supplier for its national security.
