A recent report from a U.S. government watchdog has reignited debate over Canada’s future fighter jet fleet, raising serious questions about readiness, reliability, and long-term sovereignty. At the center of the discussion is the F-35 Lightning II program, which Canada has committed billions of dollars to—but which is now facing renewed scrutiny.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), only about 30% of the global F-35 fleet is considered “fully mission capable” at any given time. This designation goes beyond whether aircraft are parked on runways or in hangars. It means that many F-35s are unable to carry out their full combat missions due to persistent parts shortages, maintenance backlogs, and ongoing supply-chain disruptions. For modern air forces that depend on rapid response, this level of availability is a significant concern.
In contrast, Sweden’s Saab Gripen presents a very different operational picture. Data from the Swedish Armed Forces indicates that the Gripen can achieve mission readiness rates of up to 90%. This is not accidental. The aircraft was deliberately designed to operate in austere and unpredictable conditions, including rough airstrips, extreme cold, and dispersed bases. Gripen crews can refuel and rearm the jet quickly, often without the need for large, climate-controlled hangars or extensive ground infrastructure.
These differences are especially relevant for Canada. In the Arctic and other remote regions, harsh weather and limited infrastructure are the norm rather than the exception. Reports suggest that the F-35 can take significantly longer to cold-start in extreme temperatures, while the Gripen is built to be operational in subzero environments with minimal delay. For a country responsible for vast northern airspace, reliability in extreme climates is not a luxury—it is a necessity.
The timing of this debate is also politically significant. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is currently conducting a full review of Canada’s $19-billion plan to purchase 88 F-35 aircraft. Beyond technical performance, the review is expected to consider broader strategic issues, including rising trade tensions, dependence on foreign supply chains, and the risks of relying on a single, highly complex weapons system. In this context, the Gripen is increasingly being discussed as a more “sovereign” alternative, offering greater operational independence and potentially lower long-term maintenance demands.
