Story perspectives

F-35 Outperforms Gripen E in Canada's Fighter Jet Review

3/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ottawa is scrutinizing fighter jet bids after a leaked report showed the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter outperformed Saab's Gripen E, scoring 95% to 33%.
National Defence has not confirmed whether a risk coefficient negatively affected the Gripen E's scores.
The government is reviewing a potential purchase of 88 F-35 jets, with the first jets expected in 2026.
The Conservative Party of Canada supports the F-35 order, a stance that contrasts with the New Democratic Party's advocacy for the Gripen.
Military leaders emphasize the F-35's advanced capabilities as essential for addressing modern threats.

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Story summary

Ottawa is scrutinizing fighter jet bids after a leaked report showed the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter outperformed Saab's Gripen E, scoring 95% to 33%.
National Defence has not confirmed whether a risk coefficient negatively affected the Gripen E's scores.
The government is reviewing a potential purchase of 88 F-35 jets, with the first jets expected in 2026.
The Conservative Party of Canada supports the F-35 order, a stance that contrasts with the New Democratic Party's advocacy for the Gripen.
Military leaders emphasize the F-35's advanced capabilities as essential for addressing modern threats.