The recent Defense Department competition in 2021 between the American-made F-35 fighter jet and the Swedish Gripen resulted in a clear victory for the F-35 in terms of technical and military capabilities. The competition evaluated the aircraft’s ability to defend North America and perform various missions against modern military forces.
The F-35 scored 95% on military capabilities, earning 57.1 out of 60 points, while the Gripen-E lagged behind with a score of 33%, totaling 19.8 points. The Department of National Defence (DND) rankings, obtained by Radio-Canada, highlighted the F-35’s superiority, especially in terms of mission performance and upgrade potential over its lifespan.
The DND declined to provide specific comments on the competition results, stating that the review of the F-35 purchase is ongoing. Experts and company representatives expressed surprise at the stark difference in capabilities between the two aircraft, with the F-35 clearly emerging as the preferred choice.
The Gripen’s performance was deemed significantly lower than the F-35 across various military aspects, according to Justin Massie, a defense expert at the Université du Québec à Montréal. The assessment raised questions about Canada’s consideration of purchasing fewer F-35s in favor of Gripens.
Former Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin emphasized the unmatched superiority of the F-35, citing its advanced stealth features and integration capabilities. However, retired officer Charles “Duff” Sullivan raised concerns about the F-35’s development challenges and suggested that the competition criteria favored the F-35.
Despite ongoing discussions about the fighter jet purchase, Canada has only confirmed an order for 16 F-35s. The possibility of a mixed fleet, including Gripens assembled in Canada, is being considered by the government. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, reiterated its commitment to providing economic benefits and job opportunities to Canada through the aircraft program.
While Saab, the Gripen manufacturer, highlighted the adaptability and upgradeability of its aircraft, industry experts emphasized the importance of evaluating long-term military needs rather than focusing solely on job creation. The debate continues on whether a mixed fleet could complement the F-35 based on Canada’s defense requirements, with discussions ongoing regarding the possibility of acquiring Gripens alongside the F-35s.
