This is video explains why the Gripen is a better choice compared to the F35. Unlike the American F-35, Sweden would never withhold critical software updates or spare parts for their Gripens as punishment if your country’s leader were to inadvertently say something they disagreed with because Canada would own the intellectual property and the parts.
I’m an airplane junkie and have been one all my life. I am in no way directly or indirectly connected to Saab or the government or military (which has a weird fascination with US control.)
The Gripen is a better deal financially - it’s less problematic and far easier to operate and maintain.
Cost:
We can get three Canadian-built (Halifax) Gripen fighters for the price of one F-35. That represents massive savings!
The hourly flight cost of the F-35 is $36,000 USD ($50,500 CAD).
The hourly flight cost of the Gripen is just $7,000 USD ($9,800 CAD).
With its smaller ground crew requirement and significantly lower cost per unit, the Gripen E is a compelling alternative - perfectly suited for defending Canada’s vast northern frontier.
With the Gripen, Canada would own the intellectual property and technology outright, with no concerns about kill switches or throttled performance. It allows us to spend less on procurement while investing more in our own aerospace industry.)
Canada has multiple helicopter platforms and we can do the same with jets.
I’m confident Prime Minister Mark Carney will make the right choice - because we are Canada Strong! 🇨🇦