Key Takeaways:
- The Canadian Armed Forces would need to purchase 72 Gripen fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft for Saab to deliver on its pledge of creating 12,600 jobs in Canada.
- The purchase of a Gripen fleet would impact Canada’s plans to buy 88 American F-35 aircraft, ordered in 2022 at a cost now estimated to be over $27 billion.
- Saab’s jobs promises will need further scrutiny or explanations, and the company’s public relations campaign in Canada has been successful, with 43% of Canadians wanting the federal government to acquire a fleet of Gripen fighters.
- The decision to acquire Gripen aircraft should be based on military considerations, not economic or political considerations.
- Canada’s defence spending is expected to increase by $82 billion over the next five years, and the federal government wants these investments to have the greatest possible economic impact on the country.
Introduction to the Canadian Armed Forces’ Procurement Plans
The Canadian Armed Forces are considering purchasing 72 Gripen fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft from Swedish manufacturer Saab. This procurement plan is expected to create 12,600 jobs in Canada, according to Saab’s proposals. The company’s projects are being met with interest within the Canadian government, which is seeking to diversify Canada’s source of military equipment and strengthen the industrial sector. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated that the government is interested in major projects that can protect Canada’s security and sovereignty while creating jobs across the country.
The Impact on Canada’s F-35 Purchase
The purchase of a Gripen fleet would necessarily have an impact on Canada’s plans to buy 88 American F-35 aircraft, ordered in 2022 at a cost now estimated to be over $27 billion. Although Canada has been reviewing the F-35 purchase since the spring, various sources say it is still too early to conclude whether Canada will reduce its order or by how much. For now, Canada is preparing to receive 16 F-35s starting this year, and many military experts are raising questions about Canada’s ability to integrate two new fighter fleets at the same time.
Saab’s Jobs Promises and Production Plans
Saab confirmed that the promise of 12,600 jobs is linked to the sale of Gripen and GlobalEye aircraft to Canada. The company plans to set up production centres in Ontario and Quebec with a pan-Canadian supplier network. The GlobalEye aircraft would be produced in collaboration with Bombardier, whose Global 6500 jets offer the platform on which numerous surveillance systems and radars are installed. Ukraine has shown interest in more than 100 Gripens, while potential customers for the GlobalEye include France and Germany.
Canada’s Defence Spending and Economic Impact
Canada’s defence spending is expected to increase by $82 billion over the next five years, and the federal government wants these investments to have the greatest possible economic impact on the country. The recent appointment of a new deputy minister at the Department of National Defence, Christiane Fox, sends a signal that the government wants to change the mindset at the top of Canada’s military apparatus. However, military analyst Justin Massie said the federal government should not make the decision to acquire 72 Gripen aircraft based on jobs, but rather on military considerations.
Public Opinion and the Gripen vs. F-35 Debate
According to an Ekos survey, 43% of Canadians want the federal government to acquire a fleet of Gripen fighters to replace its aging CF-18s, while 29% are in favour of a mixed fleet made up of Gripens and American-built F-35s. The option of a single fleet of F-35s was the least popular choice in the survey, at 13% support. The survey also found that support for a mixed fleet is strongest in Quebec at 35%, while support for a fleet composed solely of Gripens peaked at 49% in British Columbia. Ekos president Frank Graves said the debate between the Gripen and the F-35 is not so much about the aircraft’s technical capabilities, but rather about Canada’s alliances in a context of massive increases in its military budget.
Conclusion and Future Considerations
The Canadian government faces a challenge in deciding which fighter jet to purchase, with the Gripen and F-35 being the two main options. While Saab’s jobs promises and production plans are attractive, the decision should be based on military considerations, not economic or political considerations. The government must also consider the potential impact on Canada’s defence spending and the economic benefits of the procurement. Ultimately, the choice of fighter jet will have significant implications for Canada’s military capabilities and its relationships with other countries.