The Department of National Defence is currently conducting an internal inquiry into the breach of confidential information from the technical evaluation between two fighter jets contending to replace Canada’s CF-18 fleet. Recently disclosed data revealed that the American-manufactured Lockheed Martin F-35 had a significant lead over the Gripen, produced by Saab in Sweden.
This unauthorized disclosure has reignited discussions regarding the government’s choice between procuring a complete fleet of 88 F-35s or opting for a combined fleet of F-35s and Gripens. Department of National Defence (DND) spokesperson Andrée-Anne Poulin emphasized that any commercial details related to procurement processes are deemed confidential. Poulin stated that an investigation is in its preliminary stages and refrained from further comments.
Initial reports about the investigation emerged from the Ottawa Citizen. The 2021 assessment focused on the defensive capabilities of each jet in safeguarding North America and their effectiveness in diverse military operations. The F-35 achieved a score of 95% in military prowess, garnering 57.1 points out of 60. Conversely, the Gripen-E scored 33%, accumulating 19.8 points, as per DND rankings disclosed by CBC/Radio-Canada.
The disparity between the two aircraft was particularly notable in the evaluation of “mission performance” and the potential for aircraft upgrades throughout their lifespan. In 2022, the government awarded the CF-18 replacement contract to Lockheed Martin, citing technical capabilities, cost efficiency, and economic advantages as determining factors. However, due to shifts in foreign and trade policies under the Trump administration, the government reevaluated its F-35 procurement this year, withholding the final decision on the fighter jets.
Éric-Pierre Champagne, president of the Fédération professionnelle des journalistes du Québec, stressed the importance of media freedom in covering such significant contracts, like the $27 billion F-35 deal. A security expert highlighted that the leaked data seemed strategically aligned with F-35 proponents to sway public opinion towards choosing the F-35 over the Gripen. Wesley Wark from the Centre for International Governance Innovation criticized the lack of transparency in the government’s competition criteria, labeling it as a propaganda move to influence decision-making.
Former lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin highlighted the sensitivity of the F-35 versus Gripen competition, suggesting that the leak investigation serves more as a signal within the government hierarchy rather than solely identifying the culprits. Blondin emphasized the confidentiality of such information and the need to reinforce its protection.