Canada considers SAAB Gripen over American jets

Canada is contemplating the replacement of certain segments of its fleet with fighter jets sourced from European manufacturers. The Saab Gripen, having previously secured the runner-up position in a past procurement, is now being recognised as a formidable contender.

On Friday, it was reported that Portugal is abandoning the option to purchase the American F-35 fighter jet, citing uncertainty regarding US policy towards NATO. Among the options under consideration is Sweden’s Saab Gripen, as reported by The Aviationist, which highlights that numerous European nations are reevaluating their defence procurement strategies.

Canada is currently exploring the option of substituting portions of its intended F-35 fleet with fighter jets sourced from European manufacturers, with the Saab Gripen emerging as a potential contender. The announcement came from Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair, who has been assigned by Prime Minister Mark Carney to assess a range of potential solutions, as reported by the Canadian CBC.

The Saab Gripen secured the runner-up position in Canada’s earlier procurement process, presenting an enticing proposal that includes final assembly within the nation and a transfer of intellectual property rights. This arrangement would afford Canada enhanced oversight regarding maintenance and upgrades.

The review in Canada, much like that in Portugal, unfolds amid escalating trade tensions, as the Trump administration has enacted tariffs and issued threats of economic sanctions towards its neighbour.

Concurrently, there is an increasing political impetus to lessen reliance on American arms systems. Nevertheless, any alteration to the nation’s F-35 contract could prove to be quite expensive, as the arrangement presumably entails penalties should a cancellation occur.

A diverse fleet of mixed fighters featuring two distinct aircraft types has, until now, been deemed unfeasible due to financial considerations. The solution, among other considerations, necessitates distinct training programs, dedicated hangars, and tailored maintenance systems. At this juncture, the matter has acquired a fresh significance.

The American defence firm Lockheed Martin, producer of the F-35, has minimised the importance of Portugal’s potential exit from the programme while also highlighting its enduring partnership with Canada.

Moreover, the company has refuted claims suggesting that the US might restrict the capabilities of the F-35 aircraft via a so-called “kill switch,” and has guaranteed that all clients will retain complete access to the system’s infrastructure.

Simultaneously, defence analysts contend that the actions taken by the Trump administration have undermined confidence in American defence policy, thereby prompting Canada to seek more diversified security solutions.

SAAB Gripen E specs

Overview: What Is the Gripen E?

• A single-engine, multirole fighter developed by Saab AB of Sweden.
• Designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.
• Built with modularity and upgradeability at its core—ideal for evolving threats and tight defense budgets.
• Operated by countries like Sweden and Brazil, with growing interest globally.

Key Specifications

Avionics & Systems

• AESA Radar: Selex ES-05 Raven—provides long-range tracking and targeting.
• IRST: Skyward-G infrared search and track system for stealthy detection.
• Electronic Warfare Suite: Advanced jamming, threat detection, and countermeasures.
• Wide Area Display (WAD): A panoramic touchscreen cockpit interface.
• Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD): Allows pilots to cue weapons by looking at targets.

Tactical Edge

• Sensor Fusion: Integrates data from radar, IRST, and external sources for a unified battlespace picture.
• Network-Centric Warfare: Shares data with other aircraft and ground units in real time.
• Supercruise Capability: Can fly at supersonic speeds without afterburner—rare for a non-stealth fighter.

Cost & Efficiency

• Estimated unit cost: $65–85 million, depending on configuration.
• Designed for low operating costs and short turnaround times—just 10–20 minutes between missions.

The Gripen E is often called a “thinking fighter”—not just because of its AI-assisted systems, but because it’s a smart choice for air forces that want high-end performance without breaking the bank.

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