F-35 fighter purchase takes flak

The Air Force brass can’t control public perception and the longer this Gripen versus F-35 debate continues, the more people become aware of the pros and cons of both aircraft types.

There appears to be some wiggle room for Canada to back out of the full program to buy American jets to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean

Opinion

BY SCOTT TAYLOR

December 1, 2025

OTTAWA—In recent weeks, social media platforms have been abuzz with defence and aviation enthusiasts weighing in on the advantages of the Royal Canadian Air Force purchasing either the Lockheed Martin F-35, or the Saab Gripen fighter jet to replace our aging fleet of CF-18...

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