Canada Could Fly 88 F-35 Stealth Warplanes, JAS 39 Gripen and New GCAP Fighters

Canada’s next fighter-jet decisions are shifting as the country considers observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) while keeping its F-35 order undecided. The Canadian Ministry of Defense is looking to join GCAP to support production of a sixth-generation fighter that would enter service in 2035, a timeline that complicates a continued commitment to the 88-jet F-35 order, which remains under review in Ottawa. GCAP, a multinational effort involving the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy, is intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and is designed around manned-unmanned teaming and a “system of systems” approach. Defense analyst commentary in the article also points to Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen as an alternative under consideration, with benefits for combat patrols and interoperability within NATO. While the Gripen is described as less stealthy than the F-35, the report says it offers radar-evasion capabilities and may be relevant for Canada’s long-range air policing needs.