Canada is finalizing a long-term commitment to its next-generation fighter fleet. While the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II has dominated the headlines and procurement process, many analysts and defence strategists continue to argue for a more balanced approach that reflects Canada’s non-aggressive, defence-oriented military posture. Enter the JAS 39 Gripen E, Sweden’s cost-effective and resilient multirole fighter.

In this article, we compare the F-35A and Gripen E across key domains, and propose a strategic mixed-fleet solution tailored to Canada’s unique geography, alliances, and policy values.

F-35A vs Gripen E: A Comparative Analysis

Feature	F-35A Lightning II	JAS 39 Gripen E
Origin	United States	Sweden
Role	Stealth multirole strike & ISR	Agile, cost-effective air defense
Stealth	5th-gen stealth with internal weapons bays	Low-observable 4.5-gen fighter; external weapons only
Sensors	Fusion: AESA radar, DAS, EOTS, HMD	AESA radar, IRST, electronic warfare suite
Speed & Agility	Mach 1.6, less agile	Mach 2.0, supercruise, high agility
Operating Cost	~$35,000/hr	~$8,000 – $10,000/hr
Maintenance	Complex, centralized logistics	Modular, road-capable, easy maintenance
Interoperability	Deep NATO/NORAD integration	Flexible, sovereign-capable system
Best Suited For	High-end coalition warfare	Domestic sovereignty & intercept missions

The F-35A excels in stealth, sensor fusion, and networked warfare. It’s optimized for first-strike and multi-domain operations in complex allied theatres. The Gripen E, by contrast, is designed for national airspace protection, low-cost deployment, and high survivability through speed and agility.

For most countries, the choice between them is binary. But for Canada, a mixed fleet provides the best of both worlds.

Canada’s Defence Posture: Defence, Not Offence

Canada’s 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (source), emphasizes:

• Sovereignty protection, particularly in the Arctic
• Fulfillment of NORAD and NATO responsibilities
• Commitment to peacekeeping and allied security, not aggression or projection

This makes a single-type, stealth-heavy force both expensive and strategically limiting. The F-35A’s sophistication comes with high costs and logistical burdens. The Gripen’s versatility and affordability make it ideal for Canada’s domestic priorities, especially Arctic response and cost-effective patrols.

The Ideal Fleet Mix: 48 F-35A + 36 Gripen E

A proposed balanced force of 84 aircraft could look like this:

• 48 F-35A Lightning II – Two combat squadrons for NATO/NORAD + First-strike SEAD missions
• 36 JAS 39 Gripen E – Two intercept/sovereignty squadrons for Cold Lake & Bagotville + Pilot training

This mix satisfies Canada’s allied obligations while keeping operational costs under control and increasing resilience and redundancy.

Mission-by-Mission Alignment

Mission Type	Aircraft Best Suited
NATO expeditionary combat	F-35A
Arctic sovereignty patrols	Gripen E
NORAD intercepts	Gripen E (routine), F-35A (high threat)
Peacekeeping air policing	Gripen E
First-strike SEAD missions	F-35A
Pilot training	Gripen E (cost-effective)

Additional Benefits of a Mixed Fleet

• Economic efficiency: Gripen costs 3–4x less to operate, allowing more flying hours and Arctic readiness.
• Strategic autonomy: Saab offers greater technology transfer and offset potential, unlike the F-35 program.
• Operational resilience: Gripens can operate from rural or improvised runways in the North.
• Supplier diversification: Reduces geopolitical and logistical risk from relying on a single supplier (U.S.).

Potential Challenges & Mitigations

Concern	Mitigation
Dual logistics systems	Segmented basing and dedicated maintenance crews
Interoperability	Gripen is NATO-compatible and can integrate via standard datalinks
Training duplication	Gripen used for advanced pilot training and tactical development

Final Word

A dual-fighter strategy is neither nostalgic nor redundant, it is forward-thinking. By balancing cutting-edge stealth with efficient sovereignty defence, Canada can build an air force that is:

• Strategically aligned with its defensive posture
• Economically sustainable over decades
• Technologically capable of high-end conflict
• Operationally flexible across vast geography

This isn’t just a compromise, it’s a model of how Canada can lead by example in blending technology, sovereignty, and peacekeeping into a cohesive air defence strategy.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin – F-35 Lightning II Overview
• Saab Group – JAS 39 Gripen E Features
• U.S. GAO – F-35 Sustainment Report
• Government of Canada – Strong, Secure, Engaged

Tags: #CanadianDefence #F35 #Gripen #NORAD #NATO #ArcticDefence #MilitaryPolicy #Peacekeeping #AirPower