Introduction

An artist's rendering of a Canadian Gripen.

Introduction:

There has been much talk lately about Canada's controversial procurement of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. The two biggest questions seem to be:  "How much will it cost?"  and  "Are they right for Canada?"  Most of the evidence seems to reveal two simple answers:  "Way too much."  and  "Not really."

Canada needs a fighter to meet its needs.  Not a fighter based on the needs and wants of the United States, their armed services, and their endless dependence on their military industrial complex.  Although we share a lot in common with our neighbor to the south, Canada has neither the deep military budget, nor its penchant for policing the world.  Canada needs an affordable, easy to deploy, yet modern fighter to fulfill its NATO requirements and protect its sovereignty.  Such a fighter exists:  The Saab Gripen JAS 39.

My intention with this blog is simply convince fellow Canadians that the Gripen would be a better choice for Canada, and ultimately, to see it in service in favor of the F-35.  Please know that I am in no way affiliated with Saab, the Canadian Government, any political party, or any lobby firm.  I am merely a concerned Canadian taxpayer with a passing interest in fighter jets and many friends and family who serve the Canadian Armed Forces.