The F-35 fighter jet from the United States outperformed the Swedish Gripen in a recent competition organized by the Defence Department in 2021. The evaluation focused on the capabilities of each aircraft in defending North America and carrying out missions against modern military forces. The F-35 scored 95% in military capabilities, earning 57.1 out of 60 points, while the Gripen-E scored only 33%, with 19.8 points.
According to the Department of National Defence (DND) ranking obtained by Radio-Canada, the F-35 excelled in categories such as “mission performance” and the potential for aircraft upgrades throughout its lifecycle. The DND did not provide further comments on the competition results but mentioned that the review of the F-35 procurement is ongoing.
Various experts and industry representatives expressed surprise at the detailed figures revealed in the assessment. David Perry, from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, noted that the F-35’s superiority was evident, emphasizing its significant lead over the Gripen. The DND assessment indicated that the Gripen’s military capabilities were consistently inferior to those of the F-35, as highlighted by Justin Massie, a defense expert at the Université du Québec à Montréal.
Former Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin affirmed that there is no real competition between the F-35 and other aircraft considered for the Canadian contract. He emphasized the F-35’s advantages in stealth and its ability to integrate information from various military assets, making it the top choice by a wide margin.
While some raised concerns about the F-35 program’s setbacks and delays, the Canadian government proceeded with the procurement of 88 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin in 2022. The contract, estimated at over $27 billion, was awarded after evaluating technical capabilities, long-term costs, and economic benefits.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly indicated a potential shift to the Gripen if Lockheed Martin fails to enhance the economic benefits of the F-35 contract. Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen, emphasized the aircraft’s adaptability to evolving threats and its faster upgrade capabilities compared to competitors.
Lockheed Martin defended its aircraft as the best choice for Canada, despite having a firm order for only 16 F-35s at present. The government is considering a mixed fleet approach, with the possibility of assembling Gripens in Canada to create jobs and serve both the domestic and international markets.
Lockheed Martin highlighted the economic benefits of the F-35 program, promising over $15 billion in benefits throughout the contract’s lifespan. However, the company cautioned that reducing the order size could diminish these benefits. The government is urged to base its decision on long-term military needs rather than short-term economic gains.
In conclusion, while the Gripen offers certain advantages, the F-35’s superior capabilities and potential for long-term relevance position it as the preferred choice for Canada’s defense needs. The decision to pursue a mixed fleet should align with strategic military objectives and ensure the country’s security interests in the future.