When one considers a new fighter for Canada to replace the aging F18 fleet now partially in service, one really needs to ask; “Does Canada actually require a 5th or 6th generation fighter?
Of course, if cost were no consideration, then sure, go for the F35 or F22, (were it even available). But for a country the size of Canada, without any pretensions of sending its aircraft into a foreign airspace, where radar signatures may well make a difference, does it really matter?
While not a stealth aircraft, the Gripen E is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems that offer spherical coverage and high survivability.
These systems can detect, jam and deceive enemy radar and communication systems, providing a decisive edge in contested environments.
The Gripen integrates (HMC) or human-machine collaboration making it an extension of the pilot’s mind and body. The cockpit offers a (WAD) or wide-area display that presents information in a user-friendly manner, facilitating quick and accurate decision-making.
The Gripen E was specifically designed to excel in networked sensor fusion, which is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and achieving combat superiority. This capability is vital for engaging targets effectively and avoiding threats.
https://nationalsecurityjournal.org/jas-39-gripen-e-might-be-the-best-fighter-not-named-f-35/
The Saab Gripen JAS 39 E/F, is an excellent fighter, with several advantages over more sophisticated 5th generation fighters.
First, it has much lower lifecycle costs, (one-quarter of those forthe F35), greater operational flexibility, and can land on short and improvised runways, (less than 2,600 feet) which would likely be mostly those available in the Canadian Arctic.
It has excellent operational flexibility due to its modular design and open architecture allowing for rapid upgrades and integration of new sensors and weapons.
The Gripen is entirely interoperable with NATO and NORAD systems, allowing seamless integration.
Most importantly for Canada, it offers full Canadian control over operations, maintenance, and secure data, offering greater control over the entire fleet.
The Gripen also can utilize new standoff weapons (like the Meteor BVRAAM) in air-to-air combat that can reach out 200 kilometres. When combined with early warning radar utilizing Canada’s new (OTHR) or over the horizon radar technology in the arctic, it enables faster detection, long-range surveillance of both maritime and air approaches, and is completely compatible with existing NORAD systems.
Canada has committed to new Arctic Air and maritime bases, that will enable more rapid intervention and monitoring of foreign aircraft and ships along Canada’s Arctic boundary.
And now, concerns in relation to the aircraft using American engines have become a moot point, as the Gripen can now be build with a Volvo or Rolls Royce engine offering similar characteristics and thrust.
The aircraft can also be build under license from Saab, in Canada, with full-transfer of technology.
And operating the Gripen is simply the most cost-effective aircraft on offer, period. In contrast to stealth fighters, the Gripen’s hourly operational costs are approximately one quarter of that cost.
Potentially having more aircraft for deployment across Canada may well better serve Canadian interests, than supporting American interests.
Maybe it’s time to turn to Europe and worry about how Canada will integrate with NATO or a new future military organization within the EU, rather than with America.
America does not appear to have Canada’s security and sovereignty at heart.
America is more likely an aggressor nation thatn an ally or friend, and Canada should not be lulled into vacuous statements by Donald Trump, that change on a nearly hourly basis.
Canada’s sovereignty is not negotiable, and Canada’s defence of its air, sea and land is for Canada to worry about, not America.
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