In a recent competition organized by the Defence Department in 2021, the American-built F-35 fighter jet outperformed the Swedish Gripen in terms of technical and military capabilities. The evaluation focused on assessing the ability of each aircraft to defend the North American continent and execute missions against contemporary military forces.
The F-35 scored an impressive 95% in military capabilities, earning a total of 57.1 points out of 60. On the other hand, the Gripen-E achieved a score of 33%, securing 19.8 points out of 60. Notably, the F-35 excelled in categories such as “mission performance” and the aircraft’s potential for upgrades throughout its operational lifespan.
Despite the significant disparity in performance, the Department of National Defence (DND) refrained from commenting on the specific scores and indicated that the assessment of the F-35 procurement is still ongoing. Experts and industry representatives expressed surprise at the revealed figures, with David Perry from the Canadian Global Affairs Institute highlighting the clear superiority of the F-35 over the Gripen.
Justin Massie, a defense expert at the Université du Québec à Montréal, noted that the DND’s evaluation highlighted the systematic inferiority of the Gripen compared to the F-35 in terms of military capabilities. This assessment is crucial as Canada contemplates the purchase of a reduced number of F-35s in favor of Gripens.
Former Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin emphasized that the F-35 stands out due to its advanced stealth features and ability to integrate information from diverse military assets, making it unparalleled among its competitors.
While some raised concerns about setbacks in the F-35 development program, the general consensus is that the F-35 remains the top choice for Canada. The government has placed an initial order for 16 F-35s, but discussions are ongoing about the possibility of incorporating Gripens into the fleet alongside the F-35s.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, reiterated its aircraft’s superiority and emphasized the substantial economic benefits it would bring to Canada. Saab, the maker of the Gripen, highlighted the adaptability and upgrade potential of its aircraft, underscoring its relevance in various operational scenarios.
As the Canadian government evaluates its military aircraft options, including the potential for a mixed fleet, considerations extend beyond job creation to long-term strategic needs and military capabilities. The decision-making process involves assessing how a secondary fleet like the Gripen could complement the F-35 in addressing Canada’s defense requirements effectively.