Ottawa, December 21 - A recent EKOS poll has revealed a significant shift in Canadian public opinion regarding the Royal Canadian Air Force's future fighter jet procurement, with many Canadians supporting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen over continued purchases of the Lockheed Martin F-35A. According to the survey, 43% of respondents favored transitioning to the Swedish Gripen for future acquisitions, while only 13% supported sticking exclusively with the American F-35 Lightning II. An additional 29% endorsed a mixed fleet incorporating both aircraft. This preference for the Gripen holds across all regions and provinces, highlighting widespread appeal for an alternative to the longstanding F-35 program amid ongoing debates over Canada's fighter jet replacement.
The growing support for the Gripen stems from several key factors resonating with Canadians concerned about sovereignty, economics, and operational suitability. The Swedish jet offers lower acquisition and operating costs compared to the F-35, along with higher availability rates and adaptability to Canada's vast Arctic and rugged environments, including short takeoffs from austere bases. Saab's proposals emphasize substantial industrial benefits, including potential domestic assembly that could create thousands of high-skilled jobs in the Canadian aerospace sector. In an era of strained U.S.-Canada relations and questions over reliance on American defense systems, the Gripen represents greater strategic autonomy, free from potential U.S. restrictions on software upgrades or parts. Many view it as a practical choice tailored to Canada's primary defense needs, continental sovereignty, NORAD commitments, and NATO support, without the F-35's complexities and escalating expenses.
While military evaluations from 2021 showed the F-35 outperforming the Gripen in stealth, sensor fusion, and upgrade potential, public sentiment prioritizes affordability, independence, and economic returns. Proponents argue that Gripen's proven interoperability with NATO allies, including Sweden's recent accession, ensures seamless operations without compromising alliances. A mixed fleet option gains traction as a balanced approach, retaining some F-35 capabilities while diversifying with Gripens built in Canada.
As Prime Minister Mark Carney's government reviews the F-35 contract, originally for 88 jets but now firm only for 16, this poll underscores a clear public mandate for reconsideration. Canadians increasingly favor the Gripen fighter jet as a cost-effective, sovereign solution that boosts domestic industry and aligns with national priorities in an uncertain geopolitical landscape. The debate over F-35 vs Gripen reflects broader desires for a modern, reliable air force that serves Canadian interests first.
