Canada rethinks F‑35 deal amid US tensions, eyes Swedish jets
Canada is considering purchasing fighter jets other than the F-35 due to tensions with the USA. We present the background of this decision and outline the alternatives.
Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair, shortly after reassuming his position in the new government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced that Canada is contemplating abandoning a portion of its F-35 aircraft purchase in favor of European alternatives.
The decision to reconsider the purchase of F-35 jets comes amid political tensions with the Trump administration over tariffs and economic threats against Canada.
Among Canadians, there is growing support for canceling the $19 billion contract and exploring aircraft options beyond those manufactured and serviced in the USA. The contract for 88 F-35 aircraft was signed in June 2023, but according to Blair's statements to CBC, Swedish aircraft are now being seriously considered.
Swedes may benefit from American weaknesses
This refers to the offer from Sweden's Saab, which was presented in the second stage of the program eventually won by the American company Lockheed Martin. However, this does not mean a complete abandonment of the paid lot of 16 F-35 aircraft, and possibly another one or two.
The reason is that Canada has been a member of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program from the beginning, and local aviation companies are part of the fighter jet's supply chain—contributing to the country's economic growth by $1.3 billion between 1997 and 2021.
Meanwhile, Canada does not want to become entirely dependent on the USA, especially after Donald Trump's recent actions, and is seeking a non-American alternative. While maintaining two types of aircraft is costly, Canada is also interested in further strengthening its aviation industry.
Among the alternatives, the French Rafale is likely out of the running due to its incompatibility with American weaponry, and the French are unwilling to allow licensed production. This leaves the European Eurofighter and the Swedish Gripen as potential options. It is noteworthy that Saab, despite not having significant success in recent years, was willing to build aircraft in Canada during the last proceedings.
