Canadians Support Purchasing Gripen Fighter Jets Instead of F-35A

Canadians support the purchase of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets instead of the American F-35A Lightning II.

According to data from a recent EKOS poll, cited by Spencer Fernando, a majority of Canadians favor future acquisitions of Gripen fighters rather than continuing purchases of the F-35A. This preference applies after the delivery of 16 F-35A aircraft under an existing contract.

It is noted that only 13% supported continuing the purchase of the F-35A as Canada’s primary fighter aircraft.

Meanwhile, 43% supported a shift to the JAS 39 Gripen for future acquisitions.

Another 29% of surveyed Canadians supported a mixed fleet consisting of both American and Swedish fighter jets.

According to the poll, the Gripen is more popular than the Lightning II across all regions and provinces of Canada.

F-35A for Canada

In October, reports emerged that the Canadian government was considering a significant reduction in its planned purchase of 88 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from the U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

At the time, the government was weighing two options: keeping the full order in return for economic concessions from the United States, or cutting the number of aircraft to be purchased.

It is currently known that at least 16 fighters will be purchased, while the fate of the remaining 72 aircraft remains uncertain. Despite this, Canada’s military leadership continues to support the acquisition of the F-35, emphasizing the need for fifth-generation fighters to counter threats from China and Russia.

An audit found that the total cost of the Lightning II procurement program has increased by 45%. In addition, pilot training has presented further challenges.

As an alternative to the American aircraft, the purchase of Swedish JAS 39 fighter jets is being considered.