Canada should consider a mixed fleet of fighter jets

Peter Jones, a professor at the University of Ottawa, argues that a mixed fleet combining F-35s and Swedish Gripens could balance interoperability with the United States and greater defence independence. The article cites estimated per-flight-hour costs of roughly US$35,000–50,000 for the F-35 and US$8,000–12,000 for the Gripen.

The debate over which fighter to buy remains active and divisive. The author, Peter Jones of the University of Ottawa, lays out the argument for a mixed fleet that would combine U.S.-made F-35s and Swedish Gripens. Supporters of the F-35 focus on seamless interoperability with the United States, while Gripen backers emphasise a degree of defence independence. The article notes existing commitments and past purchases that shape current options. Key facts: - The piece is an opinion by Peter Jones, a professor in public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa. - The article reports Canada already committed to at least 16 F-35s and may have paid for components on an additional 14 aircraft. - Published cost estimates cited in the article put F-35 per-flight-hour costs at about US$35,000–50,000 and Gripen costs at about US$8,000–12,000. - The author says the RCAF has not published how many F-35s would be needed solely for the NORAD mission; he suggests roughly 30–40 F-35s could cover NORAD and that 70–80 Gripens could cover other commitments and Arctic work. - The article points to Nordic cooperation (Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland) as an example where F-35s and Gripens operate together and are described as interoperable. Summary: The author argues a mixed fleet could free budget room by operating fewer expensive F-35 flight hours while using Gripens for many patrols and NATO commitments, potentially increasing operational flexibility and industrial benefits. Undetermined at this time.