Leaked evaluation scores and Sweden's massive jobs offer have thrust Canada's fighter jet decision into spotlight, creating pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to choose between American firepower and European industrial partnership.

Documents exposed on 29 November show Lockheed Martin's F-35A scored 57.1 points out of 60 in Canada's 2021 evaluation, while Sweden's Gripen E managed only 19.8 points. F-35 outperformed Gripen across all five categories, with mission performance showing the widest gap.

Yet Sweden is mounting aggressive counter-campaign. Saab has offered to build Gripen fighters and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in Canada, promising roughly 13,000 jobs through manufacturing and support work. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch told Ottawa during November state visit that "you need to choose your friends wisely".

Canada committed funding for 16 F-35s from planned 88-jet order, but remaining 72 aircraft remain under review. Former Liberal MP John McKay argued in Hill Times that sovereignty concerns may outweigh military calculations, especially as Washington uses trade as leverage under President Donald Trump.

Defence review completed earlier this year warned against split fleet, citing training and logistics complications. Canada's auditor general found F-35 programme could cost 45 per cent more than estimated. Former Royal Canadian Air Force officers have backed F-35 purchase, while US ambassador called jet 'phenomenal success'.

Swedish offer includes plans for Canadian-built Gripens to serve Ukrainian forces and export markets, positioning Canada as aerospace hub. Some analysts suggest buying F-35s now while planning future transition to European fighters in 2040s or 2050s.

Decision carries implications beyond aircraft performance, touching sovereignty, trade relations and industrial strategy as Canada seeks to reduce reliance on American defence suppliers.

Source: TS2 Tech.