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Canada Mulls Mixed Fighter Fleet Amid F-35 Review

January 29, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Canada considers mixed fighter fleet with Saab Gripen.
F-35 plan may be scaled back.
Saab pitches industrial return and domestic capacity.
US envoy warns of NORAD changes if Canada pulls back.

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Strategic Implications

Canada's potential shift towards a mixed fighter fleet may indicate a desire for strategic autonomy and diversification, which could have implications for NORAD and NATO relationships. The move suggests Ottawa is weighing the benefits of industrial return and domestic capacity against the need for interoperability with US forces.

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What Happened

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.

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