The move toward a mixed fighter fleet is intended to reduce Canada’s dependence on U.S. defense supply chains and political pressure. At the same time, it would preserve key fifth-generation fighter capabilities for NORAD and NATO operations.
A mixed fleet of F-35s and Gripens would combine stealth aircraft capabilities with lower operating costs and reduced runway requirements. It would also include a broad transfer of technology, according to the article.
Beyond replacing Canada’s aging CF-18 fighters, the concept is aligned with a wider Canadian defense industry strategy. That strategy is aimed at expanding domestic production in the aerospace sector and diversifying long-term international defense relationships.
Canada selected the F-35 in January 2023 as the replacement for the CF-18 fleet. A reassessment, initially planned to last three months but still unfinished, began amid worsening Canadian-U.S. relations after a trade war triggered by President Donald Trump.
An official announcement of the decision is expected after U.S. by-elections in November 2026. The timing is intended to avoid further escalation of tensions in bilateral relations.
At the same time, Ottawa is continuing a review of the strategic implications of long-term reliance on U.S. defense supply chains. On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada had opened negotiations with Saab on the purchase of five to six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft worth more than 5 billion Canadian dollars.
Canada has dropped the U.S. Boeing E-7 Wedgetail and L3Harris Aeris options. The GlobalEye order is expected to create more than 3,000 local jobs.
The planned acquisition would address a long-standing operational gap, as Canada currently does not have a sovereign fleet of airborne early warning aircraft. The article says Canada now relies heavily on the United States in this area.
With the GlobalEye purchase, Canada would gain an independent capability built around Saab’s Erieye ER radar and the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. The aircraft would strengthen Canada’s ability to operate its own early warning and control sys
