Canada weighs shift from F‑35 to European jets amidst US tensions
Canada is analyzing the possibility of purchasing fighters other than the F-35 due to tensions with the USA. We present the background of the confusion and outline the alternatives.
Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, just after reassuming his position in the new government of Prime Minister Mark Carney, announced that Canada is considering abandoning part of its F-35 aircraft purchase in favour of European alternatives.
The decision to reconsider the purchase of F-35 aircraft in Canada comes amid political tensions with the Trump administration, related to tariffs and threats of economic subjugation of Canada.
Among Canadians, there is growing support for cancelling the $19 (CAD 27) billion contract and seeking aircraft other than those manufactured and serviced in the USA. The contract for 88 F-35 aircraft was signed in June 2023. However, according to Blair's statements to the CBC, Swedish aircraft are being particularly considered.
Swedes may benefit from American weaknesses
This refers to the offer from Sweden's Saab presented in the second stage of the program, which was ultimately won by the American company Lockheed Martin. Furthermore, 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 JSF program from the beginning, and local aviation companies are part of the fighter jet's supply chain—something that contributed to the country's economic growth by approximately $1.3 (CAD 1.9) billion between 1997 and 2021.
On the other hand, Canada does not want to become completely dependent on the USA after Donald Trump's recent actions and is looking for a non-American alternative. While maintaining two types of aircraft is costly, Canada also wants to additionally strengthen its aviation industry.
Among the alternatives, the French Rafale is likely ruled out because it lacks compatibility with American weaponry, and the French are unwilling to allow licensed production, leaving the European Eurofighter and the Swedish Gripen as viable options. It is worth noting that Saab, which has not had significant success in recent years, was willing to build aircraft in Canada in the last proceedings.
