The F-35 fighter jet, developed in the U.S., outperformed the Swedish Gripen in a recent 2021 competition organized by the Defence Department. The evaluation centered on the ability of each aircraft to defend North America and carry out diverse missions against contemporary military forces. The F-35 received an impressive military capabilities score of 95%, earning 57.1 out of 60 points. In contrast, the Gripen-E achieved a score of 33%, accumulating 19.8 points out of 60 as per the Department of National Defence (DND) ranking disclosed by Radio-Canada.
Notably, the discrepancy in scoring was most notable in terms of “mission performance” and the potential for aircraft upgrades over their operational lifespan. The DND, when questioned about the results, mentioned that the assessment of the F-35 procurement was ongoing. Experts and representatives from the competing companies expressed surprise at the detailed figures revealed for the first time.
David Perry, head of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, remarked that the competition results unequivocally favored the F-35, indicating a clear superiority with no room for debate. The DND evaluation highlighted the Gripen’s systematic inferiority compared to the F-35 in military capabilities, according to Justin Massie, a defense specialist at the Université du Québec à Montréal.
The assessment results are critical as Canada deliberates on acquiring fewer F-35s in favor of Gripens. Yvan Blondin, a former Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant-general, emphasized the F-35’s unmatched advantages in stealth and information integration from various military assets. However, retired officer Charles “Duff” Sullivan suggested that the air force’s long-standing preference for the F-35 influenced the criteria used in the 2021 competition.
Regarding the ongoing review of the F-35 purchase, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly hinted at a potential shift to Gripens if Lockheed Martin fails to enhance the economic benefits of the contract for Canada. Saab representatives defended the Gripen as a versatile and swiftly upgradable aircraft, ideal for evolving threats and harsh conditions.
In terms of job creation and economic benefits, Lockheed Martin pledged over $15 billion throughout the contract’s duration, emphasizing the substantial Canadian content in each jet delivered. The firm cautioned that reducing the F-35 order could diminish the economic advantages. The decision for a mixed fleet, including locally assembled Gripens, is under consideration, with a focus on long-term military requirements.
Experts suggest that job creation should not be the primary basis for selecting a military aircraft, emphasizing the necessity to align with Canada’s defense priorities. Planning for a mixed fleet should consider future combat drone integration, as per Blondin. Sullivan proposed committing to 24 F-35s and exploring the addition of Gripens to the fleet, given its qualification in the recent evaluation.