Canada may replace its American fighter jets with Swedish ones

Swedish defence company Saab is in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the potential sale of JAS 39 Gripen fighters, Saab President and CEO Mikael Johansson told Canadian broadcaster CTV.

“We are providing Canadian authorities, politicians, and industry representatives with as much information as possible to ensure they have all the data on this matter,” Johansson said. He described the negotiation process as “very intense” but noted that Canada has yet to give a “clear response.” According to Johansson, Ottawa will need to make a “political decision” on whether the Royal Canadian Air Force should adopt the JAS 39 Gripen.

In March 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that his government might adjust the F-35 fighter procurement program due to U.S. tariff policies, noting that alternative aircraft exist. He also instructed the Ministry of Defense to review the F-35 contract.

Lockheed Martin won the 2023 tender to supply F-35 fighters, beating Boeing and Saab. The deal called for 88 aircraft at a total cost of CAD 19 billion ($13.5 billion) to replace the RCAF’s ageing F-18s. Payment is divided into installments, and Ottawa has so far committed legally to acquiring only the first batch of 16 jets.