Canada is reportedly considering a major revision of its fighter replacement programme, potentially reducing its planned purchase of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft to around 30 and acquiring approximately 60 Saab Gripen E/F fighters instead.
The proposal would create a diversified combat fleet combining the F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities with the Gripen’s lower operating costs, flexibility, and ability to operate from shorter and less-developed runways. Supporters argue that such a mix would reduce Canada’s reliance on U.S. defence logistics and political decisions while preserving the capabilities required for missions under North Atlantic Treaty Organization and North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Strategic and Industrial Considerations
The reported review follows tensions in Canada-U.S. relations and reflects a broader desire to diversify defence partnerships. The Gripen proposal is also attractive because of Saab’s willingness to involve local industry, potentially strengthening Canada’s aerospace sector and increasing domestic control over maintenance and upgrades.
Although Canada selected the F-35 in 2023 as the replacement for its ageing McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fleet, no final decision on altering the procurement plan has been announced.
GlobalEye Surveillance Aircraft
At the same time, the government of Canada is reportedly advancing negotiations to acquire five or six Saab GlobalEye aircraft.
The GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye ER radar with the Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500, providing airborne surveillance, command-and-control, and early-warning capabilities. The programme is valued at more than C$5 billion and is expected to support thousands of Canadian jobs.
A GlobalEye acquisition would address a longstanding capability gap: Canada currently lacks its own dedicated airborne early-warning fleet and relies heavily on allied assets, particularly those of the United States. Operating GlobalEye aircraft would give Canada greater sovereign control over the monitoring and management of its airspace.
A Significant Shift if Confirmed
If implemented, the plan would represent one of the most significant changes to Canadian defence procurement in decades. Rather than relying almost entirely on a single fighter type, Canada would operate a mixed fleet designed to balance stealth, affordability, operational resilience, and strategic autonomy.
However, the reported Gripen purchase remains under consideration, and no official Canadian government decision has yet been announced.