q8. CANADA CANCELS $17 BILLION U.S. JET DEAL — STUNS WASHINGTON BY CHOOSING SWEDEN INSTEAD!

Canada has rocked the global defense landscape by pausing its $17 billion F-35 jet deal with the United States, opting instead to consider an offer from Sweden’s Saab AB for the Gripen E fighter. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decisive move signals a shift in Canada’s defense strategy, emphasizing economic benefits for Canadian industry over traditional alliances.

The review of the F-35 deal comes amid rising costs and concerns about the timely introduction of new aircraft. Canada’s CF-18 Hornets, which have served for decades, are in desperate need of replacement. The F-35 Lightning II jets were seen as the solution, aligning Canada with NATO allies and the U.S. military.

However, the landscape has changed. Ottawa’s announcement in March 2025 to reassess the F-35 purchase has sent shockwaves through the defense sector. U.S. officials have warned Canada of potential consequences for defense cooperation should it withdraw from the F-35 program. The U.S. maintains a vested interest in keeping Canada within the F-35 network, which integrates closely with NATO operations.

In contrast, Saab’s Gripen E proposal offers a compelling alternative. Unlike the F-35, the Gripen can be built and assembled in Canada, promising job creation and local economic boosts. Carney’s administration has prioritized contracts that yield substantial benefits for Canadians, a trend that could reshape the defense procurement landscape.

Defense experts within Canada argue that the Gripen E may be a more practical choice. It is cheaper to acquire, easier to maintain, and has proven itself in harsh conditions similar to those found in Canada’s Arctic regions. The F-35’s dependence on U.S. maintenance hubs raises concerns about operational independence, a critical factor for Canadian sovereignty.

This decision goes beyond mere aircraft procurement. It reflects a broader reassessment of Canada’s defense ties to the U.S. amidst growing trade tensions and economic friction. Ottawa is signaling a desire for greater autonomy in defense matters, potentially redefining its role within NATO and its relationship with Washington.

While the review does not guarantee a shift to the Gripen, it sends a clear message: Canada will prioritize what is best for its own interests, rather than merely following U.S. directives. Should Canada ultimately choose the Gripen, it would become the first major NATO ally to break from the F-35 program, a move that could reshape global defense alliances for years.

The U.S. is reportedly lobbying behind the scenes, reminding Canada of the billions invested in shared training and systems reliant on the F-35 platform. Analysts anticipate a final decision by late 2025, and the world is watching closely as this pivotal moment unfolds.

Canada’s reassessment of its defense strategy represents a significant shift in the dynamics of North American military cooperation. Whether it chooses to fully abandon the F-35 or pursue a hybrid approach, one thing is clear: the era of automatic U.S. dominance in Canadian defense is coming to an end.