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

[dapaterson]

You mentioned that before G2G, but I am curious: any reason why you want the naval version of the Rafale instead of the "standard" French Air Force version of it?

Because Brittany is a sweet posting?

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Because Brittany is a sweet posting?

It sure is, I loved Brest.

Only problem is, the French keep their aircraft carrier in the Med at Toulon. And I wouldn't want to be posted there.

 

[dapaterson]

It sure is, I loved Brest.

Only problem is, the French keep their aircraft carrier in the Med at Toulon. And I wouldn't want to be posted there.

Rafale M are based at Landivisiau.

Landivisiau - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Good2Golf]

You mentioned that before G2G, but I am curious: any reason why you want the naval version of the Rafale instead of the "standard" French Air Force version of it?

OGBD, two reasons, 1) it is the only foreign aircraft to have integrated into operations on a USN CVN so the U.S. in no way can complain that Canada can’t *interoperate with the U.S.; and 2) it keeps the fine tradition of Canada buying twin-engine carrier borne aircraft as it’s front line fighter.

 

[Czech_pivo]

Ukraine and Sweden Sign Deal for Gripen-E Fighters | TURDEF

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a deal was signed with Sweden for 16 Gripen-E fighters as a part of the air force modernisation.

turdef.com

First order of Gripen E for Ukraine.

Clearing the hurdle of "Ukraine hasnt ordered any Gripens"

So with Ukraine starting to order them maybe getting in on the 150 order is a consideration

This price tag looks to be quite steep.

• Swedish defence equipment maker Saab has signed a contract to deliver ⁠16 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine in a deal worth about ⁠24.6bn Swedish crowns ($2.54bn). Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, writing on the Telegram messaging ⁠app, said the agreement reached with Swedish prime minister Ulf ‌Kristersson involved ‌the purchase of the 16 aircraft and included ‌technical support. Saab’s timetable differed from that outlined by Zelenskyy, who said deliveries would begin in 2027, while the Swedish defence equipment maker said deliveries were scheduled for 2029-2030.

Ukraine war briefing: Swedish defence maker Saab signs deal to deliver 16 fighter jets to Kyiv

Defence maker Saab signs contract to deliver ⁠16 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine in $2.54bn deal. What we know on day 1,589

www.theguardian.com

Valued at approximately SEK24.6 billion, the order will be booked in the third quarter of 2026, with deliveries scheduled for 2029-2030.

The contract also covers spare parts, associated equipment and support items.

https://avitrader.com/2026/07/02/saab-secures-gripen-order-for-ukraine/

EDIT:

Ukraine's Gripen E Deal Has Become More Expensive, But It Still Offers a Crucial Advantage | Defense Express

The purchase of 16 Gripen E fighters from Saab marks the first time the Ukrainian Air Force has upgraded its fleet with new fighter jets

en.defence-ua.com

Ukraine's Gripen E Deal Has Become More Expensive, But It Still Offers a Crucial Advantage​

This means that each Saab JAS 39 Gripen E ordered by Ukraine under the contract costs €138.5 million, or roughly $158 million. However, the intergovernmental agreement signed in May between Ukraine and Sweden included the acquisition of 20 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters, including both the single-seat E variant and the two-seat F variant. However, the announced cost of €2.5 billion — or €125 million per fighter jet — may have reflected a somewhat inaccurate interpretation of the official statement issued by the Office of the President of Ukraine.

"As a first step, the Swedish Government enables the procurement of up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft, for which Ukraine plans to allocate 2.5 billion euros from the EU's Ukraine Support Loan."

At the same time, the number of Gripen aircraft ordered was reduced by four. The contract also provides for the supply of spare parts and additional equipment. In other words, the price increase—if it actually occurred—is entirely reasonable.

Even so, the price remains significantly lower than in Colombia's case, which in November 2025 purchased 17 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F aircraft for €3.135 billion — or €184.4 million per fighter — under a broader procurement package.

 

[Halifax Tar]

It sure is, I loved Brest.

Only problem is, the French keep their aircraft carrier in the Med at Toulon. And I wouldn't want to be posted there.

Its always too long in Toulon for this guy too.

 

[Czech_pivo]

Its always too long in Toulon for this guy too.

I just looked at Toulon on Google Maps and noticed that the entire harbour area is 'blurred out.' I assume that's because it contains the French navy.

I then looked at Halifax harbour, including Irving's facility, care to guess if anything is blurred out?

Does this go back to early comments on how we Canadians don't take security serious?

 

[KevinB]

I just looked at Toulon on Google Maps and noticed that the entire harbour area is 'blurred out.' I assume that's because it contains the French navy.

I then looked at Halifax harbour, including Irving's facility, care to guess if anything is blurred out?

Does this go back to early comments on how we Canadians don't take security serious?

Hey the SASR base in Perth was indicated directly by a point on Google Maps a few years ago.

 

[Czech_pivo]

Hey the SASR base in Perth was indicated directly by a point on Google Maps a few years ago.

Has been changed since then?

 

[KevinB]

Has been changed since then?

Not sure. I only found out when a buddy from the SASR was over visiting and he showed me. I never was interested enough in looking since. - but now you’ve peaked my curiosity.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Does this go back to early comments on how we Canadians don't take security serious?

I would imagine so.

 

[KevinB]

Nope not tagged on Google Maps anymore. I could only find it by having been there and some of the guys pointing out the nudist beach down the way. So I backtracked from the beach.