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

[HavokFour]

The fellow that we are not allowed to talk about on here or post links to his articles has come out with a story about Canada buying more than 88 fighters today. I haven't read more than the headline as it behind a paywall. But you asked if we heard anything different about 88 being the number to let you know.

Hopefully another agency covers the story so that it can be be posted and discussed on here.

Here is the primary source. This magazine did an interview with MGen Jeff Smyth, Chief of Air and Space Force Development. Published back on January 22, 2026.

Importantly, Smyth believes the government commitment to significantly increase defence spending could allow the RCAF to finally move beyond buying “minimum viable fleet sizes,” an issue that has left the Air Force challenged at times with aircraft availability.

EDIT: Added archive.

RCAF accelerates aircraft recapitalization to meet growing missile and arctic threats - Skies Mag

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is at the forefront of the most sweeping recapitalization of its aircraft fleets in decades. With an increase in government funding, the RCAF wants new capabilities and more than minimum viable fleet sizes.

skiesmag.com

Archive

 

[calculus]

The fellow that we are not allowed to talk about on here or post links to his articles has come out with a story about Canada buying more than 88 fighters today. I haven't read more than the headline as it behind a paywall. But you asked if we heard anything different about 88 being the number to let you know.

Hopefully another agency covers the story so that it can be be posted and discussed on here.

Yes, I saw that. The "rumour" is 120 - 40 F35s, and 80 Gripens.

John Ivison: Sources say Ottawa considering Swedish jets over F-35s for half of fleet

All the signs point to Ottawa buying fewer than half the number of F-35s it said it would and Carney's speech in Davos explains why.

nationalpost.com

 

[MilEME09]

Yes, I saw that. The "rumour" is 120 - 40 F35s, and 80 Gripens.

roughly two squadrons of gripens, and a squadron of F35, plus spares. So where we putting the third fighter squadron?

 

[suffolkowner]

Yes, I saw that. The "rumour" is 120 - 40 F35s, and 80 Gripens.

should be the other way around i think

 

[Czech_pivo]

Yes, I saw that. The "rumour" is 120 - 40 F35s, and 80 Gripens.

John Ivison: Sources say Ottawa considering Swedish jets over F-35s for half of fleet

All the signs point to Ottawa buying fewer than half the number of F-35s it said it would and Carney's speech in Davos explains why.

nationalpost.com

I had seen that article previously but its not the one that came out today.

 

[HavokFour]

I had seen that article previously but its not the one that came out today.

It's the one heavily referenced by the other publication, like 80%.

 

[Czech_pivo]

It's the one heavily referenced by the other publication, like 80%.

Do the numbers line up, if there are mentioned in today's?

 

[HavokFour]

Do the numbers line up, if there are mentioned in today's?

Only the Skies Mag article mentions any numbers.

 

[Maxman1]

And I haven't seen any actual evidence the government is seriously considering Gripens.

 

[OldSolduer]

And I haven't seen any actual evidence the government is seriously considering Gripens.

Is there any evidence the GoC is actually considering anything? Other than the initial 16 IIRC we have purchased?

 

[JLB50]

The fellow that we are not allowed to talk about on here or post links to his articles has come out with a story about Canada buying more than 88 fighters today. I haven't read more than the headline as it behind a paywall. But you asked if we heard anything different about 88 being the number to let you know.

Hopefully another agency covers the story so that it can be be posted and discussed on here.

I was able to get in. My take on it is that, with our expanded defence spending, Canada COULD POSSIBLY spend some of that money on more planes. It’s like I’m being told something I already know. No mention of anything being firmed up regarding the F-35 or Gripen.

 

[MilEME09]

Is there any evidence the GoC is actually considering anything? Other than the initial 16 IIRC we have purchased?

16 is only one squadron, we would need spares as well

 

[dapaterson]

Is there any evidence the GoC is actually considering anything? Other than the initial 16 IIRC we have purchased?

The RCAF has been advancing with a Next Generation Fighter Capability project for a considerable length of time. The initial order through the JSF program office for 16 aircraft is a first step, not a final one. The desired capabilities are largely classified, but the quantity of aircraft identified, 88, is a matter of public record.

 

[Rainbow1910]

Yes, I saw that. The "rumour" is 120 - 40 F35s, and 80 Gripens.

John Ivison: Sources say Ottawa considering Swedish jets over F-35s for half of fleet

All the signs point to Ottawa buying fewer than half the number of F-35s it said it would and Carney's speech in Davos explains why.

nationalpost.com

I think I mentioned before that it’s much worse than even a rumour, it’s totally unsubstantiated with no even sort of hint as to where it came from. A split like that would be utterly nonsensical as people have described previously.

I hope the RCAF does get greenlit for additional fighter purchases, with the stipulation that they are F-35’s and not Gripen lol.

 

[Rainbow1910]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2019120918325244314

Interim NDP leader Don Davies has come out and urged the Prime Minister to adopt the Gripen, that joke basically writes itself.