NDP asks Carney to cancel F-35 contracts in favour of Swedish Gripen

The NDP urges Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel contracts for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets, including 16 Canada has committed to, and to consider buying Saab's Swedish Gripen; no final decision has been made and the government launched a review last year.

The NDP is publicly calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to cancel existing contracts for U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets and to pursue the Swedish Gripen from Saab instead. The party's interim leader, Don Davies, referenced Carney's World Economic Forum remarks about middle powers working together in making the case. The statement follows recent U.S. trade pressure that involved threats to decertify Bombardier jets and impose tariffs. The federal government opened a review of the F-35 contracts last year, and no procurement decision has been announced. Key facts: - The NDP wants contracts for U.S.-made F-35 jets cancelled, including 16 aircraft Canada has already committed to buying. - Interim NDP Leader Don Davies proposed purchasing Saab's Gripen fighters from Sweden and cited Carney's WEF comments on middle powers. - The party's statement came after reported U.S. pressure involving threats to decertify Bombardier jets and a proposed 50 per cent tariff related to Gulfstream certification. - The federal government launched a review of the F-35 contracts last year and has not announced a final decision. - Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet has said she wants pilots to begin F-35 training next year. Summary: The NDP frames its proposal as a response to U.S. trade and security concerns and recommends shifting procurement to the Swedish Gripen, which would reshape the defence procurement debate. Undetermined at this time.