The RCAF's Next Generation Fighter (CF-188 Replacement)

[don3wing]

And is that for the Gripen E or the Gripen C/D, because there is currently one production model Gripen E in operational service in the world, so we have zero data on real world maintenance and flight hour costs.

As of Nov 2025 the Brazilian Air Force had 11 Gripen E. Fact check.

Saab delivers eleventh Gripen E fighter to Brazilian Air Force as binational programme advances

Saab has delivered another F-39E Gripen to the Brazilian Air Force, with aircraft 4111 landing at Anápolis Air Base at 10:26 on 19 November after a one-hour and three-minute flight from Navegantes.

defence-industry.eu

Swedish Air Force accepts its first Gripen E into service - European Security & Defence

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) accepted into operational service its first Saab Gripen E fighter on 20 October 2025 during an event at F7 Såtenäs.

euro-sd.com

 

[PrairieFella]

Over what time horizon? This is the problem with these discussions. Everybody looks at the news today and thinks the Gripen will be fine. Meanwhile the Air Staff is looking at data points like this"

The Evolution of Russian and Chinese Air Power Threats

Russian and, particularly, Chinese capabilities now pose greater threats to Western air power than in 2020.

www.rusi.org

If we buy Gripens, we are getting them past 2030 and intend to fly them into the 2060s. Can anybody confidently say that the threat picture in 2045 (not even halfway point on aircraft life) will be just fine for non-LO aircraft?



We're literally having a national debate on how much we want to rely on those traditional allies. I think there's a growing understanding that reliance comes with a quid pro quo that many Canadians may not want. Albeit, with the irony that buying the Panther creates a dependence the same lot don't like either.

But also, governments have a habit of not putting such assumptions in policy. And then risking the troops anyway when the time comes. Let them state in the defence policy that the RCAF won't fight high end threats outside of a coalition with allies who are bringing more advanced aircraft.

Im not expert and nor will I pretend to be. But from a utility perspective is there some wisdom in having some Hawker Hurricanes to our Supermarine Spitfires? A cheaper workhorse for less complex tasks?

 

[Maxman1]

As of Nov 2025 the Brazilian Air Force had 11 Gripen E. Fact check.

Saab delivers eleventh Gripen E fighter to Brazilian Air Force as binational programme advances

Saab has delivered another F-39E Gripen to the Brazilian Air Force, with aircraft 4111 landing at Anápolis Air Base at 10:26 on 19 November after a one-hour and three-minute flight from Navegantes.

defence-industry.eu

Swedish Air Force accepts its first Gripen E into service - European Security & Defence

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) accepted into operational service its first Saab Gripen E fighter on 20 October 2025 during an event at F7 Såtenäs.

euro-sd.com

Those are in test squadrons. Only one Gripen E has been added to an operational squadron so far.

 

[Maxman1]

Im not expert and nor will I pretend to be. But from a utility perspective is there some wisdom in having some Hawker Hurricanes to our Supermarine Spitfires? A cheaper workhorse for less complex tasks?

There are better options, like adding bombs and missiles to our trainer fleet. The new T-7 and T-50 are both being offered in an armed configuration, or at least able to be armed.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Home of Still Fired Distillery and my favourite Night Owl Moonshine.

Sorry - carry on.

Suggest you give this whirl:

Strawberry Rhubarb Moonshine – Still Fired Distilleries

drinkmoremoonshine.ca

 

[markppcli]

get stuffed. making a statement and being informed that what you thought has flaws is a great way to learn more. By answering you contribute to my general knowledge and, incidentally, produce a whole bunch more questions. For instance if your F35 launches in a clean configuration it is only carrying internal stores so it is limited. Are your alert a/c loaded or clean? If clean than you need a truck to go with you? If loaded than why launch the F35 in the first place? I know the sensors are great and it is a great battlefield manager but sensors can be mounted in a Challenger or a Wedgetail so where is the advantage? And no, I am not advocating for the Gripen I am simply asking.

You asserted very wrong data.

Loaded vs clean is confusing for you i think? The RCAF alert air craft are launched armed. We aren't going to send unarmed air craft on intercept missions. Why lunch an F35 it is carrying weapons seems like a weird question. While certainly its stealth would be degraded if its carrying externally thats a question of threat match. I also dont think you understand that fighters engage BVR with their onboard sensors.

@PrairieFella the question becomes what is the cost increase of maintaining this two fleets for the off set cost of the lower tier jets and at what loss of capability. Would you want to be in a tank who's primary benefit was low cost?