Introduction

In 2026, Canada and its NATO allies stand at a pivotal juncture. The United States, long regarded as Canada’s closest ally and a pillar of NATO, appears to be shifting priorities—potentially valuing profit over principle, and deals over sovereignty. Canadians are increasingly concerned that their most vital economic partner is morphing into an unpredictable power under President Trump. Global elites and autocrats are betting that money or military might can buy influence and redraw borders. In this emerging era of military power competition, Canada must reinforce its Air Force to safeguard independence. Is it time for Canada to return to building its own fighter jets?

Lessons from Ukraine: The Reality of Modern Warfare

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine offers stark lessons for Canada. Ukraine’s steadfast resistance against Russia’s expansionism reveals the brutal nature of contemporary war. Over the past four years, Russia’s invasion has resulted in hundreds of thousands of civilian casualties. Rather than the swift, high-tech battle NATO anticipated, the war has devolved into a prolonged struggle characterized by relentless assaults and comprehensive economic mobilization. Ukraine faces daily barrages of low-cost kamikaze drones and missiles targeting civilian infrastructure—hospitals, homes, shopping centers, and power plants.

The Cost and Role of the F35 Fighter Jet

Canada’s new F35 fighter jets, costing $35,000 per flight hour to operate and armed with million-dollar missiles, are not ideally suited to intercept inexpensive missiles and drones. However, the F35’s strength lies in its ability to strike deep into enemy territory to eliminate the source of threats—aircraft, drone and missile launch sites. If drones are arrows, then the launch sites are archers; neutralizing these archers is crucial. This strategic capability defines the F35’s intended role within Canada’s air force.

But will an American President susceptible to flattery, bribes, and influence peddling allow Canadian F35s to be used to strike deep into an attacker’s territory? Ask a Ukrainian.

Dependence on American Systems: Risks and Realities

Ukrainian defense forces have cost-effective American missile systems capable of striking far inside Russia. Yet, for years repeated requests to use these weapons against Russian launch sites have been denied by successive U.S. Presidents. Russian drones continue to terrorize civilians because the U.S. restricts Ukraine’s ability to utilize advanced systems like ATACMS missiles, limiting software updates and permissions. Canada, like Ukraine, faces the risk that reliance on American weaponry could undermine its own defense capabilities.

Russian missile and drone launch sites operate with impunity, partly due to billions spent on influencing American and European leaders. Russia’s influence campaigns, including those targeting social media, news outlets and individual politicians, disrupt Western democracies. America’s current president appears particularly vulnerable to Russian manipulation.

Building Sovereign Defense Capabilities

Given the uncertainty of American support, Canada must plan to defend its sovereignty with weapons systems fully under national control, supported by robust local logistics. A modern air force is essential, featuring aircraft with resilient supply chains and maintenance suited to the attritional warfare tactics seen in Russia’s approach. Canada needs aircraft and missiles capable of destroying hostile launch platforms—on land, sea, or air—without needing foreign approval.

F35 Procurement and Strategic Limitations

Canada has acquired 16 American-built F35s, with options for up to 88 jets at a projected cost exceeding $27 billion. The F35 program relies heavily on American companies for parts, software, and training. While the F35 is unmatched in its ability to strike deep into enemy territory, its use ultimately depends on the authorization of the U.S. President. Canada, therefore, must address the strategic vulnerability of depending on a potentially unreliable ally.

Alternative: The Swedish Gripen Fighter Jet

Ukraine has ordered 150 Gripen jets from Sweden’s SAAB to replace its aging fleet. The Gripen offers near-F35 performance without political constraints at half the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of the F35. The Gripen-E first flew in 2017 and is compatible with many NATO-standard weapons—reflecting NATO’s role as a standards organization as much as a military alliance.

Sweden has proposed assisting Canada to build the Gripen domestically, for both Canada and Ukraine, as well as establishing a future-ready tech base. Canada will be at the heart of the next generation Gripen “Beyond” project. This may envision stealthy AI attack drone wingman based on the Gripen.  All made from parts sourced across allied nations. Crucially, Canada and Ukraine would maintain complete control over software, spare parts, and armaments logistics.

Strategic Advantages of the Gripen

The Gripen was the runner-up in Canada’s fighter jet competition, capable of countering future threats from the best Russian or Chinese aircraft. It serves as a deterrent without the risk of being hobbled by foreign political interference. Ukraine recognizes its value, and Canada is now considering supplementing its fleet with domestically built Gripens, funded by reducing the F35 order. A mixed fleet would lower operational costs and strengthen Canada’s local supply chain, enabling resilience in prolonged conflicts.

Flying a mixed fleet makes economic sense, especially on missions where the F35 offers zero additional capabilities beyond burning over twice as much taxpayer money. All of Canada’s peer-Allies fly mixed fleets for his reason.

Reviving Canadian Aerospace: Airports and Infrastructure

With Ukraine under relentless attack, Canada could become the final assembly hub for aircraft for itself, Ukraine, and other NATO allies. Bombardier is now a key player, having partnered to build SAAB’s “Global Eyes” AWACS on its Global express business jet airframe. The stage is set for a renaissance in Canadian jet fighter manufacturing, a legacy lost with the termination of the CF-105 Avro Arrow program six decades ago.

Building a fighter jet in Canada is a national endeavor requiring new airport infrastructure and multiple local factories for parts and final assembly. The Swedish Gripen proposal alone would require 10,000 highly skilled workers. Supporting next-generation fighters and drone technology would necessitate significant infrastructure investment. Only a major city can accommodate such a project.

Toronto Downsview airport—the original site of the Avro Arrow—is no longer available, having been redeveloped. Pearson airport is at capacity. For Toronto to play a role, a new utility airport is needed. Pickering airport is slated as the replacement, with land already set aside. The Greater Toronto Area, home to a large, educated workforce, is ideal for expanding Canada’s aerospace sector. The primary obstacle is the lack of political will to construct the new airport.

The opposition to building Pickering Airport by companies that make up the Montreal aerospace hub may now come back to haunt Canadians.

Controlling Logistics: A Key to Sovereignty

Logistics are central to sovereignty. Nations must control the supply of weapons for their defense forces. The realities of war in Ukraine are forcing a reevaluation of military logistics and force composition. While NATO envisioned defeating Russia rapidly with advanced weaponry like the F35, Russia’s approach emphasizes volume, attrition, misinformation, bribery, and intimidation.

The War in Ukraine: Daily Realities and Future Aspirations

Ukraine’s air force continues to fight bravely, enduring daily attacks from cheap Russian drones targeting civilian buildings. As the conflict enters its fourth year, Ukrainian pilots dream of the abilities, reliability and independence offered by the Swedish Gripen, not the American dependent F35.

The F35’s advanced capabilities could annihilate Russian air operations but questions remain about its ability to endure sustained combat, as Ukraine has. The Gripen, with lower maintenance demands, ensures higher operational availability compared to the F35.

Canada’s sovereignty could be threatened if U.S. leadership chooses self-interest over alliance commitments. A domestically built Gripen fighter jet would mitigate the risks associated with the F35 and provide a reliable defense against emerging threats—especially as Russia continues to target NATO members with clandestine operations that could be the start of a military conflict. Canada’s Arctic territories are especially vulnerable.

Conclusion

Canada faces hard choices about its future military capabilities, airport infrastructure, and the defense of its sovereignty. Building a domestic fighter jet program, supported by new airport facilities and a robust supply chain, is essential for national security in an unpredictable global landscape. Time is of the essence as Canada seeks to secure its future against increasingly challenging and sophisticated threats.

References

• Canada Holds Talks to Procure Swedish Gripen Fighters as F-35 Deal Collapse Looms
• Gripen for Canada | Saab
• Bombardier Gripen Canada: What We Know Now
• Saab in talks with Canada, Bombardier to build Gripen fighter jets, Globe and Mail reports | Reuters
• https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/the-f-35-stealth-fighter-is-an-unmitigated-disaster/
• https://canadiandefencereview.com/saab-to-consider-canada-for-its-gripen-jet-assembly/