Ottawa Weighs Saab Gripen As Alternative To Lockheed Martin
Canadian officials are considering a mixed fighter fleet that could include Sweden’s Saab Gripen, according to a National Post column citing unnamed sources. The move comes as Ottawa reviews its planned purchase of 88 F-35s, with Defense Minister David McGuinty stating no final decision has been made. The debate has been influenced by US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s warnings that a Canadian pullback from the F-35 plan could force changes to continental air defense arrangements. Saab has pitched its offer as a way to support up to 12,600 jobs in Canada, with Bombardier as a key partner. The development was first reported by AeroTime.