DefenseF-35 outscored Gripen E in US defense evaluation in 2021
The F-35 fighter jet far surpassed its rival, the Saab Gripen E, in a 2021 competition held by the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate combat aircraft, according to data obtained by Radio-Canada.
The evaluation was the subject of reports in the Canadian press amidst the impasse over the Royal Canadian Air Force’s order for 88 Lockheed Martin aircraft.
The evaluation measured the effectiveness of each platform in defending the continent and its probability of success in missions against modern military threats.
The F-35 obtained 57.1 points out of a possible 60, while the Gripen E received 19.8 points, or a score of 95% compared to only 33% for the Swedish aircraft.
Analysts interviewed by the Canadian press were surprised by the result, as they expected a victory for the F-35, a 5th generation aircraft with stealth capabilities, but not by such a large margin.
In response, Saab argued that the Gripen E is a fighter jet that is easier to maintain and can be upgraded simply.
The Canadian government placed an initial order for 16 F-35s, in line with the outcome of the competition and current defense needs.
Lockheed Martin committed to delivering economic benefits exceeding US$15 billion over the term of the contract, a crucial factor in the acquisition process.
Canadian authorities are reviewing the economic impact and have indicated that switching to the Gripen remains open for discussion should Lockheed Martin fail to improve contractual benefits.
The Canadian government and Bombardier are discussing with Saab the deployment of a Gripen assembly line in the country.
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