While global powers race towards the future of aerial combat, Canada finds itself at a crossroads, still debating between yesterday’s technology and the cutting edge. A recent announcement regarding a new Defence Industrial Strategy offered little clarity, leaving the nation’s fighter jet future shrouded in uncertainty.
The stated goal is a shift: less reliance on foreign military purchases, more domestic production. But what does this mean for the long-awaited F-35? Will the plan gamble on the Saab Gripen, a fourth-generation fighter, fueled by promises of 10,000 Canadian jobs – a claim increasingly viewed with skepticism?
The world isn’t waiting. Three major programs are already forging the next generation of fighter jets. The United States is developing the F-47, while a collaborative effort between Germany, France, and Spain is producing the Future Combat Air System. Most promising, however, is the Global Combat Air Program, uniting Britain, Italy, and Japan.
For Canada, joining this last program represents a pivotal opportunity. It would mirror our involvement in the F-35 project, placing Canadian aerospace companies at the forefront of innovation, building and supplying the aircraft of tomorrow. It’s a chance to not just participate, but to shape the future of air power.
A common misconception paints the F-35 as solely an American endeavor. The reality is far more complex. Canada became a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter Program back in 1997, a collaborative initiative to develop a next-generation fighter to replace aging fleets.
That program culminated in the F-35, an aircraft Canada initially committed to purchasing in 2010. Political headwinds and critical reports led to a suspension, followed by a change in government and a pledge to abandon the F-35 altogether, seeking alternatives.
After years of deliberation and a formal competition, the outcome was undeniable: the F-35 emerged as the clear winner, decisively outperforming the Gripen. The F-35 achieved a score of 57.1 out of 60, meeting 95% of the requirements, while the Gripen lagged far behind with a score of 19.7 and only 33% compliance.
Despite consistently winning evaluations, political considerations have repeatedly stalled the purchase. This hesitation overlooks a crucial fact: the F-35 already supports 3,300 direct jobs across Canada, from Nova Scotia to Ontario, manufacturing vital components. An additional 1,000 construction jobs are underway to support the necessary infrastructure.
The arrival of the F-35 will also necessitate a network of maintenance facilities throughout North America, with a facility near Montreal poised to become a regional hub for both Canadian and American aircraft. These jobs, and the economic benefits they represent, are directly threatened by a shift towards the Gripen.
The promised economic windfall from Saab’s Gripen is also under scrutiny. Internal government reports suggest the claim of 10,000 jobs is inflated by at least 60%, a generous estimate considering the experience of Brazil. Brazil’s agreement to purchase and build the Gripen alongside Embraer has resulted in a mere 200 jobs, with only 60 directly on the production line.
The F-35 isn’t just a superior aircraft; it’s a project Canada has been integral to from the beginning, with Canadian-made parts in every jet. It’s time to finalize the purchase of all 88 F-35s and then strategically position Canada to join the Global Combat Air Program, securing a leading role in the development of the next generation of fighter technology.
