The American-manufactured F-35 fighter jet outperformed the Swedish Gripen in terms of technical and military capabilities in a recent competition organized by the Defence Department in 2021. The assessment evaluated the ability of each aircraft to defend the North American continent and succeed in diverse missions against modern military adversaries.
Scoring 95%, the F-35 demonstrated superior military capabilities, achieving a total of 57.1 out of 60 points. In contrast, the Gripen-E received a score of 33%, earning 19.8 points out of 60, according to the Department of National Defence (DND) ranking obtained by Radio-Canada. Notably, the F-35 excelled in “mission performance” scoring and potential for aircraft upgrades over its operational lifespan.
The Defence Department declined to provide detailed comments on the competition results but mentioned that the review of the F-35 procurement is ongoing. Experts and industry representatives expressed surprise at the precise figures revealed from the assessment.
David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, emphasized the clear superiority of the F-35 in terms of capabilities, stating that the competition was decisively won by the F-35. The DND evaluation indicated that the Gripen lagged significantly behind the F-35 in military capabilities, as highlighted by Justin Massie, a defence expert at the Université du Québec à Montréal.
The assessment results have raised questions regarding Canada’s potential choice between acquiring fewer F-35s or opting for Gripens. Yvan Blondin, a former Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant-general, affirmed that the F-35 stands out for its advanced stealth features and ability to integrate information from varied military resources, emphasizing its superiority over other competing aircraft.
While some argue for the F-35 due to its longstanding preference within the air force and favorable evaluation criteria, others, like Charles “Duff” Sullivan, raise concerns about potential setbacks in the F-35 development program impacting Canada’s acquisition of promised technical capabilities.
Following a thorough review, the Canadian government awarded Lockheed Martin the contract for 88 jets worth over $27 billion in 2022, citing considerations of technical capabilities and long-term economic benefits. The decision prompted discussions about the future of Canada’s fighter jet fleet and potential economic advantages associated with the Gripen assembly in Canada.
Representatives from Saab defended the Gripen’s adaptability and upgrade capabilities, highlighting its suitability for evolving threats and ease of operation, particularly in Arctic conditions. Lockheed Martin reiterated its confidence in the F-35 as the ideal choice for Canada, emphasizing the economic benefits and job opportunities associated with the aircraft.
Moving forward, the government is exploring options for a mixed fleet, potentially involving Gripen assembly in Canada. The decision-making process involves evaluating not only economic benefits but also long-term military requirements to ensure the optimal complementarity of the chosen aircraft for Canada’s defense needs.