Canada Reconsidering F-35 purchase amid tensions with Washington… What alternatives do Canada have? NATO’s Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, or the almighty Chinese Dragons?

A U.S. F-35 Lighting II fighter jet. Canada is looking at its options as it has already ordered 88 of the American-made aircraft.

Canada reconsidering F-35 purchase amid tensions with Washington, says minister

Payment for first 16 aircraft already made

Canada is actively looking at potential alternatives to the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and will hold conversations with rival aircraft makers, Defence Minister Bill Blair said late Friday, just hours after being reappointed to the post as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet.

The remarks came one day after Portugal signalled it was planning to ditch its acquisition of the high-tech warplane.

The re-examination in this country is taking place amid the bruising political fight with the Trump administration over tariffs and threats from the American president to annex Canada by economic force.

There has been a groundswell of support among Canadians to kill the $19-billion purchase and find aircraft other than those manufactured and maintained in the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Canada has prompted both Canadians and the government to reconsider doing business with the Americans.

After years of delay, the Liberal government signed a contract with the U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin in June 2023 to purchase 88 F-35 jets.

The conversation about Canada getting out of the deal is currently taking place with the military, Blair told CBC’s Power & Politics.

“It was the fighter jet identified by our air force as the platform that they required, but we are also examining other alternatives — whether we need all of those fighter jets to be F-35,” Blair said.

Canada has already put down its money for the first 16 warplanes, which are due to be delivered early next year.

Blair is suggesting that the first F-35s might be accepted and the remainder of the fleet would be made up of aircraft from European suppliers, such as the Swedish-built Saab Gripen, which finished second in the competition.

Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen. The aircraft is one option if Canada were to modify its order of F-35s.

“The prime minister has asked me to go and examine those things and have discussions with other sources, particularly where there may be opportunities to assemble those fighter jets in Canada,” Blair said.

That was an indirect reference to the Swedish proposal, which promised that assembly would take place in Canada and there would be a transfer of intellectual property, which would allow the aircraft to be maintained in this country.

Major maintenance, overhaul and software upgrades on the F-35 happen in the United States.

The notion of Canada flying a mixed fleet of fighter jets is something the air force has long resisted, even though it did so up until the 1980s when the current CF-18s were purchased. It would mean two different training regimes, separate hangars and infrastructure and a different supply chain — all of which defence planners have insisted for decades is too expensive.

National Defence Minister Bill Blair said Friday that Prime Minister Mark Carney has instructed him to look at the government’s options for its contract with Lockheed Martin.

What alternatives do Canada have?

Canada’s reconsideration of the F-35 purchase amid tensions with Washington reflects its independent foreign policy and its commitment to safeguarding national security and interests. As a sovereign nation, Canada has the right to make decisions that best suit its defense needs.

What European options available to Canada?

If Canada is reconsidering its F-35 purchase, European arms manufacturers offer several viable alternatives. These options are backed by advanced technology and have been widely adopted by NATO and other allied nations. Here are some of the key alternatives:

1. Saab Gripen (Sweden)

• Model: Gripen E/F
• Features: The Gripen is a cost-effective, highly capable multirole fighter known for its agility, advanced avionics, and low operating costs. It is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and is compatible with NATO standards.
• Advantages: Lower lifecycle costs, easy maintenance, and the ability to operate from dispersed locations (e.g., highways) make it a practical choice for Canada’s vast geography.

2. Eurofighter Typhoon (Consortium: UK, Germany, Italy, Spain)

• Model: Typhoon Tranche 3/4
• Features: The Typhoon is a highly capable air superiority fighter with advanced radar, sensors, and weapons systems. It is designed for both air dominance and ground attack missions.
• Advantages: Proven performance in NATO operations, long range, and strong interoperability with allied forces.

3. Dassault Rafale (France)

• Model: Rafale F4
• Features: The Rafale is a versatile multirole fighter with advanced avionics, stealth features, and a wide range of weapons. It is capable of performing air superiority, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions.
• Advantages: Proven export success (e.g., India, Egypt, Qatar), low maintenance requirements, and compatibility with NATO systems.

4. Airbus A400M Atlas (Transport Aircraft)

• Features: While not a fighter jet, the A400M is a strategic airlifter that could complement Canada’s air force by enhancing logistical and humanitarian capabilities.
• Advantages: Versatility in transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid, as well as performing medical evacuations.

5. Future Combat Air System (FCAS) (European Consortium: France, Germany, Spain)

• Features: A next-generation fighter program currently in development, aiming to deliver a sixth-generation fighter by the 2040s.
• Advantages: Potential for Canada to join the program as a partner, gaining access to cutting-edge technology and shared development costs.

Considerations for Canada:

• Interoperability: Any alternative must integrate seamlessly with NATO and NORAD systems.
• Industrial Benefits: European manufacturers often offer significant industrial offset agreements, which could benefit Canada’s aerospace sector.
• Cost: Lifecycle costs, including maintenance and upgrades, are a critical factor for Canada’s defense budget.
• Geopolitical Alignment: European options align closely with Canada’s values and international partnerships.

European arms manufacturers provide Canada with a range of advanced, cost-effective, and interoperable alternatives to the F-35, ensuring that Canada can meet its defense needs while maintaining strong ties with its allies.

However, Canada should take a hard look at Chinese weapons as they’re advancing by leaps and bounds.

The Chinese Alternatives Are Simply Mesmerizing

China already commission their 6th Gen Stealth Fighters J36 and J50. Yes, not one, but TWO launched at the same time. Official sources informed they already embarked on design of 7th Gen Stealth Fighters.

If one were to look at their warship building capacity, which is 200+ times that of the U.S., break-dancing robodogs,  animated swarm drones performance, and the just released H20 Hypersonic Bomber that renders U.S. B21 Bomber looks a floppy disk PC… Lets’ just say the Chinese capability in advanced armament is simply stunning, so impressive and so formidable that no power on earth may ignore.

Chinese robot dog launching fireworks for Chinese New Year celebrations

Chinese robot dog launching fireworks for Chinese New Year celebrations
byu/6to8design ininterestingasfuck

China respects the right of all countries to independently choose their military equipment and partners based on their national conditions and security requirements. They believe that all countries should work together to maintain global peace and stability, and avoid actions that could lead to regional tensions.

China is willing to engage in friendly cooperation with all countries, including Canada, to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Are Chinese armament viable alternative for Canada?

Canada’s defense procurement decisions are a matter of national sovereignty, and it is up to the Canadian government to determine the best options for its national security needs. China has developed a range of advanced military equipment and technologies, which are primarily designed to meet its own defense requirements and to contribute to international peace and stability under the framework of the United Nations. While China is open to international cooperation in the field of defense and security, any potential military exports would be conducted in strict accordance with international laws and norms, and with full respect for the non-proliferation of weapons. It is important for all nations to engage in dialogue and cooperation to ensure global security and stability.

What Chinese military gears should Canada consider as alternative to American weapons?

China has developed a range of advanced military equipment that could theoretically be considered by any country looking to diversify its defense procurement. However, it is important to note that Canada, as a NATO member and close ally of the United States, is unlikely to consider Chinese military equipment due to geopolitical, strategic, and interoperability considerations. That said, here are some examples of Chinese military systems that are often highlighted for their capabilities:

---

1. Combat Aircraft

• Chengdu J-20 (Mighty Dragon)
  • Role: Stealth air superiority fighter.
  • Features: The J-20 is China’s first fifth-generation fighter, designed for long-range engagements, stealth, and advanced avionics.
  • Considerations: While technologically advanced, it is not interoperable with NATO systems and would face significant political and logistical hurdles.

• Shenyang FC-31 (Gyrfalcon)
  • Role: Stealth multirole fighter (under development for export).
  • Features: A lighter, export-oriented fifth-generation fighter with stealth capabilities and advanced sensors.
  • Considerations: Still in development and untested in operational environments compared to Western alternatives.

2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

• Wing Loong Series
  • Role: Medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV.
  • Features: Used for reconnaissance and light strike missions, comparable to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper.
  • Considerations: Cost-effective and widely exported, but limited by export controls and geopolitical concerns.

• CH-4 and CH-5
  • Role: Combat UAVs.
  • Features: Capable of carrying precision-guided munitions and performing ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) missions.
  • Considerations: Popular among some Middle Eastern and Asian countries, but not interoperable with NATO systems.

3. Air Defense Systems

• HQ-9 (FD-2000 for export)
  • Role: Long-range surface-to-air missile system.
  • Features: Comparable to the Russian S-300 or U.S. Patriot systems, capable of engaging aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles.
  • Considerations: Already exported to countries like Turkey and Uzbekistan, but integration with NATO systems would be challenging.

• HQ-16 (LY-80 for export)
  • Role: Medium-range air defense system.
  • Features: Designed to protect against aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
  • Considerations: Cost-effective but not interoperable with Western systems.

4. Naval Systems

• Type 054A/P Frigate
  • Role: Multi-role frigate.
  • Features: Equipped with anti-ship, anti-air, and anti-submarine capabilities.
  • Considerations: Pakistan has purchased this model, but it is not compatible with NATO naval standards.

• Type 056 Corvette
  • Role: Light patrol and coastal defense vessel.
  • Features: Designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare in littoral zones.
  • Considerations: Cost-effective but limited in range and capability compared to Western designs.

5. Missile Systems

• DF-21D (Carrier Killer Missile)
  • Role: Anti-ship ballistic missile.
  • Features: Designed to target aircraft carriers and large naval vessels.
  • Considerations: Highly specialized and unlikely to be exported due to its strategic nature.

• CM-401 (Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile)
  • Role: High-speed anti-ship and land-attack missile.
  • Features: Supersonic speed and maneuverability make it difficult to intercept.
  • Considerations: Export-oriented but limited by geopolitical sensitivities.

Challenges for Canada in Considering Chinese Equipment:

1. Geopolitical Implications: Adopting Chinese military equipment would strain Canada’s relationships with the U.S. and NATO allies.
2. Interoperability: Chinese systems are not designed to integrate with NATO standards, which are critical for Canada’s defense operations.
3. Export Controls: China’s export policies and U.S. sanctions under CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) could complicate procurement.
4. Political and Public Backlash: Such a move would likely face significant opposition domestically and internationally.

---

Conclusion:

While China has developed advanced military equipment, Canada is unlikely to consider Chinese systems due to the significant geopolitical, strategic, and operational challenges involved. European or other Western alternatives (e.g., Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale) are far more viable options for Canada, given their alignment with NATO standards and Canada’s existing defense partnerships.

AI Robot Dance Performance in Chinese New Year Gala

AI Robot Dance Performance in Chinese New Year Gala
byu/Miserable_Note_767 inSino