Why Canada Must Cancel the F-35 Deal and Buy the Gripen Instead

The $77 Billion Mistake: Why Canada Must Cancel the F-35 Deal Now

Defense procurement in Canada has always been a disaster, but this time, we’re signing up for a multi-generational blunder. The Trudeau government’s decision to purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets for $19 billion is not just bad policy—it’s a long-term debt trap that compromises Canadian sovereignty and locks us into perpetual dependence on the United States. If we follow through with this, we are committing to a $77 billion financial black hole, for an aircraft that we won’t even truly control.

This isn’t just about cost overruns or bureaucratic incompetence. It’s about national security, autonomy, and the very real possibility that the country we may one day need to use airpower against is the United States itself. And here’s the kicker: our F-35s won’t even work without Washington’s permission.

A Fighter Jet That Canada Won’t Control

The F-35 is not just an aircraft—it’s a U.S. software platform with wings. Every single mission flown by an F-35 is dependent on U.S.-controlled software, data networks, and weapons systems. That means:

• Every software update must be approved by the Pentagon.
• Every mission file must be sent to U.S. servers for processing before takeoff.
• Every weapons upgrade must go through American defense contractors.

Canada will never get the best version of the F-35, because Washington will always reserve the highest-performing models for itself. If a conflict emerges where Canadian interests diverge from U.S. priorities, the White House can remotely disable, restrict, or cripple our own aircraft—rendering them useless in an actual war.

A $77 Billion Money Pit

The sticker price of $19 billion might seem manageable, but it’s a lie. The full lifetime cost of the F-35 program will exceed $77 billion, making it the most expensive defense procurement in Canadian history. Why? Because Lockheed Martin built the F-35 on a subscription model—requiring continuous software upgrades, spare parts from U.S. suppliers, and maintenance contracts that last decades.

This isn’t just a purchase—it’s a 50-year financial handcuff that ties Canadian defense spending to an American corporate empire. The U.S. military itself is already struggling to afford the F-35, and yet Canada, with a fraction of the budget, thinks we can sustain it?

Canada’s Most Likely Enemy Is the United States

Let’s be honest—Canada isn’t going to war with Russia. We aren’t fighting China. The most likely threat to Canadian sovereignty comes from the United States itself.

• Donald Trump has already threatened economic war on Canada.
• U.S. politicians openly talk about annexing Canadian territory.
• US actors are funding the Maple MAGA movement as a fifth column to destabilize Canada from within.
• American corporations routinely undermine Canadian resource control in oil, gas, and critical minerals.

If the United States turns hostile, what good is an air force that Washington can disable remotely? Buying the F-35 doesn’t strengthen our military—it hands the keys to our airpower over to the very country that poses the greatest long-term threat to Canadian autonomy.

The Alternative: The Gripen Gives Canada Full Sovereignty

If Canada actually wants an air force it controls, the only logical alternative is the Saab Gripen E. Unlike the F-35, the Gripen:

• Does not require U.S. software approval for every mission.
• Can be fully maintained and upgraded in Canada.
• Costs half as much to operate, allowing us to field more jets for the same budget.

The Gripen is designed for cold-weather operations, Arctic defense, and independent nations that refuse to be puppets of the U.S. military-industrial complex. That is the fighter jet Canada should be buying—not a glorified leasing deal for a warplane we won’t truly own.

Conclusion: Cancel the F-35 Deal Now

Canada is sleepwalking into a 50-year financial and strategic disaster. The F-35 is not just overpriced—it’s a direct threat to Canadian defense sovereignty. If we don’t cancel this deal immediately, we will be stuck paying tens of billions of dollars for an air force that we don’t control, all while handing over our national security to Washington’s whims.

There is still time to change course. Canada must cancel the F-35 purchase now and buy a fighter that actually serves Canadian interests and take other anti-US measures, like bringing the American food industry to its knees by putting a halt to potash exports.

Before it’s too late.

The F-35’s Unavoidable Pitfalls

At first glance, the F-35 seems like an impressive piece of technology. It’s marketed as the most advanced fighter in the world, with stealth capabilities, high-tech sensors, and networked combat systems. But beneath the sleek marketing, the reality is far messier.

The F-35 is not just a plane—it’s a system of control. By purchasing it, Canada is not buying a fleet of jets; we are submitting to permanent technological dependence on the United States. The cost is astronomical, the operational reliability is deeply flawed, and most importantly, the F-35 will never truly belong to Canada.

This is not a fighter jet—it’s an American-controlled military asset that we are paying $77 billion to rent.

1. The Illusion of Ownership: Canada Will Never Control Its F-35s

Every major defense program in history has had its limits. But the F-35 takes it to another level—Canada will never have full operational control over its own aircraft.

The Software Lockdown

The F-35 is not just a fighter—it’s a software-dependent weapons system that requires continuous updates, patches, and remote access from the United States. This means:

• Every mission Canada flies must first be approved by U.S. software protocols.
• All weapons integration goes through American-controlled updates.
• If Canada ever diverges from U.S. military objectives, Washington can restrict our access to critical systems.

This is not theoretical. It’s how the program was designed.

Even Canada’s own military leaders have admitted we will never have full sovereignty over our F-35 fleet. The plane’s most advanced capabilities, from threat identification to targeting algorithms, are controlled by U.S. software that Canada cannot modify or inspect without Pentagon approval.

This raises an obvious question: If Canada’s most likely future military threat is the United States itself, why are we buying jets that the U.S. can disable remotely?

The ALIS Kill Switch

One of the most alarming aspects of the F-35 is its Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), now rebranded as ODIN. This is the system that tracks every movement, mission, and maintenance request of every F-35 worldwide. The problem?

✔️ The system is fully controlled by the United States.
✔️ Canada has no independent access to ALIS/ODIN.
✔️ If Washington wants, it can ground the entire Canadian F-35 fleet with the push of a button.

If relations with the U.S. ever deteriorate—whether due to trade wars, resource disputes, or political instability—Canada’s air force could be neutralized instantly. The F-35 doesn’t make Canada stronger; it makes us more vulnerable than ever.

2. The Financial Trap: A Bottomless Money Pit

The Trudeau government claims that the F-35 will cost $19 billion, but that’s a deliberate misrepresentation. The real price tag? At least $77 billion over its lifetime, and likely more.

The Most Expensive Fighter in History

✔️ The U.S. Government Accountability Office has repeatedly warned that F-35 sustainment costs are out of control.
✔️ Even the Pentagon admits the F-35 program is unsustainable due to high maintenance and upgrade costs.
✔️ Every F-35 requires millions of dollars in software updates annually, all controlled by Lockheed Martin.

This means that Canada is not just paying for jets—we are committing to decades of financial servitude to a U.S. defense contractor.

Operational Costs That Will Bankrupt the Air Force

Even if the F-35 itself were free, Canada still couldn’t afford to operate it at scale.

✔️ The per-hour flight cost of the F-35 is over $44,000—more than double that of the Gripen.
✔️ Maintenance costs are astronomical—each F-35 requires specialized technicians and spare parts that can only be sourced from U.S. suppliers.
✔️ The F-35’s low operational readiness rate means that Canada will be paying billions for jets that spend more time in the hangar than in the air.

If even the U.S. military is struggling with the cost of maintaining the F-35, how does Canada think we can sustain it?

3. An Unreliable Aircraft: The F-35’s Performance Failures

The F-35 is often described as a technological marvel. But in practice, it has one of the worst reliability records of any modern fighter jet.

✔️ Only 55% of U.S. F-35s are mission-ready at any given time—far below the 80% standard expected of frontline fighter jets.
✔️ Software failures and maintenance problems are constant, grounding jets for weeks at a time.
✔️ The F-35 is one of the most complex aircraft ever built—which means even minor issues can take months to resolve.

This is not a combat-ready aircraft—it’s a high-tech prototype that was rushed into production before it was fully tested.

Why the F-35 Will Fail in a Real War

Even in a hypothetical conflict, the F-35 is not built for sustained combat operations.

✔️ The high maintenance requirements mean that once a squadron is deployed, it quickly runs out of spare parts and is grounded.
✔️ The F-35 cannot be easily repaired in the field—requiring extensive logistics support to keep it running.
✔️ If stealth is compromised—which it will be in any prolonged war—the F-35 is not particularly fast, maneuverable, or well-armed compared to rival jets.

Even the U.S. Air Force is now admitting that the F-35 is a failure as a multi-role fighter—so why is Canada doubling down on it?

Conclusion: The F-35 Is a National Security Risk

The F-35 is not just expensive—it is a direct threat to Canada’s sovereignty and operational capability.

✔️ It is not truly ours—every aspect of the aircraft, from software to maintenance, is controlled by the U.S.
✔️ It will bankrupt our air force—with sustainment costs that lock Canada into financial dependence for decades.
✔️ It is unreliable in real combat—and is already proving to be a failure even for the U.S. military.

Canada does not need an aircraft that serves American interests first and Canadian interests second. We need a fighter jet that is:

✔️ Cost-effective.
✔️ Operationally independent.
✔️ Suited to Canada’s actual defense needs.

That jet is not the F-35. That jet is the Saab Gripen.

The Geopolitical Reality: The U.S. as the Primary Threat

Canada’s military planning has long been built on a false assumption: that the United States is our closest ally and will always act in our best interest. The decision to buy the F-35 is based on this same flawed logic—that we will only ever use our airpower in cooperation with the U.S., not against it.

But history tells us something different. The most likely future military threat to Canada is not Russia or China—it is the United States itself. Whether through economic aggression, annexation attempts, or outright military coercion, Washington has repeatedly demonstrated that it sees Canada as a resource colony first, an ally second, and an independent country barely at all.

And yet, our government wants to spend $77 billion on fighter jets that the U.S. can disable remotely. This isn’t just strategic malpractice—it’s a national security risk of the highest order.

1. Canada’s Most Likely Adversary Is Not Russia or China—It’s the United States

The F-35 was sold to Canada under the justification that we need to defend ourselves against external threats. But who, exactly, are we supposed to be defending against?

Russia Is Not a Serious Threat to Canada

✔️ Russia’s military is already overextended in Ukraine and has zero interest in provoking NATO directly.
✔️ Canada’s vast Arctic is geographically impossible to invade—there is no scenario where Russia successfully mounts an attack.
✔️ If Russia ever did engage in conflict with NATO, it would be a nuclear war, in which case fighter jets are irrelevant.

China’s Interests in Canada Are Economic, Not Military

✔️ China’s focus is economic influence, not territorial aggression—Beijing is not interested in military action against Canada.
✔️ If China were ever to engage in a Pacific war, Canada would be a secondary or tertiary target at most.
✔️ The United States would take the lead in any military response—Canada’s airpower would be functionally irrelevant.

So if not Russia and China, then who? The answer is obvious: the greatest long-term threat to Canada’s sovereignty is the United States itself.

2. The U.S. Has a Long History of Economic and Political Aggression Against Canada

Washington’s track record of undermining Canadian sovereignty is not theoretical—it’s historical fact. The United States has repeatedly tried to exert control over Canada’s economy, resources, and defense policy, and it has never hesitated to use force when it serves its interests.

Recent Examples of U.S. Aggression Toward Canada

✔️ Trump’s Tariffs on Canadian Goods
The U.S. has already waged economic war on Canada, slapping tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other essential goods, claiming “national security” concerns.

✔️ Annexation Threats from U.S. Politicians
American politicians have openly advocated for the annexation of Canadian provinces, with Alaska Representative Don Young stating that the U.S. should “just take” Canada’s resources.

✔️ The Buy American Policy and U.S. Resource Grab
The U.S. routinely blocks Canadian businesses from fair access to American markets, while demanding unlimited access to Canadian oil, water, and minerals.

These are not the actions of a country that sees Canada as an equal partner. They are the actions of a country that sees Canada as a vassal state.

3. F-35s Are Useless in a Canada-U.S. Conflict

If the U.S. ever escalates its aggression into a military or coercive standoff with Canada, our F-35 fleet would be completely useless. Here’s why:

1. The U.S. Can Disable Our F-35s Remotely

✔️ Every Canadian F-35 is dependent on U.S. software, GPS, and weapons systems.
✔️ Washington retains full control over mission data and software updates—they can ground our fleet at any time.
✔️ If Canada were to resist U.S. economic or political pressure, Washington could disable our aircraft before a single jet even takes off.

2. U.S. Air Dominance Means Canada’s F-35s Would Be Irrelevant

✔️ The U.S. has over 2,400 frontline fighter jets, including over 500 F-35s—Canada’s 88 would be wiped out instantly in a real conflict.
✔️ Every Canadian military base is within range of U.S. cruise missiles and stealth bombers—our fleet could be destroyed before it even gets airborne.
✔️ Canada’s reliance on U.S.-controlled air refueling and logistics networks means that our air force would be paralyzed the moment Washington cut off support.

The only rational airpower strategy for Canada is one that allows us to operate independently of U.S. command and control. That means no F-35s.

4. The Gripen Allows Canada to Defend Itself on Its Own Terms

If Canada wants a fighter jet that actually works for Canadian interests, the only logical choice is the Saab Gripen E.

✔️ Fully Independent – Gripens are not reliant on U.S. software updates, mission data files, or weapons integration approvals.
✔️ Designed for Arctic and Remote Operations – The Gripen can operate from short, improvised airstrips—including highways—giving Canada real combat flexibility.
✔️ Cost-Effective and Sustainable – The Gripen is half the cost of the F-35, meaning Canada can field more jets, more often, for the same budget.

5. Conclusion: The U.S. Is Not Canada’s Friend—It’s a Strategic Risk

The F-35 is a direct threat to Canadian sovereignty, not because of the aircraft itself, but because of who controls it. The United States is not a reliable long-term ally, and history has proven that Canada cannot count on Washington to respect our independence.

If Canada wants a truly sovereign defense policy, we must:

✔️ Cancel the F-35 program immediately.
✔️ Invest in a fighter jet we actually control—the Saab Gripen.
✔️ Prioritize military independence over dependence on the U.S.

This is not about choosing another ally—it’s about choosing ourselves. The only thing standing in the way is the political cowardice of Ottawa, which refuses to acknowledge the simple truth: Canada’s greatest strategic risk isn’t Russia or China—it’s our so-called ally, the United States.

The Gripen: Canada’s Only Real Option for Air Sovereignty

At this point, the case against the F-35 is clear: it’s a financial black hole, a strategic liability, and a U.S.-controlled system that fundamentally compromises Canada’s sovereignty. The question is, what’s the alternative?

The answer is the Saab Gripen E—a fighter jet that gives Canada full operational independence, superior cost-effectiveness, and the ability to actually defend our airspace without U.S. permission.

This is not just a matter of budget—it’s a matter of national survival.

1. True Sovereignty: Gripen Gives Canada Full Control

A nation’s air force is only as strong as its ability to deploy and control its aircraft without external interference. The Gripen is the only modern fighter that allows Canada to do exactly that.

Unlike the F-35, which requires U.S. approval for software updates, mission data, and weapons integration, the Gripen is fully independent. Canada would not need permission from Washington for any operational decision. Every F-35 sortie relies on U.S.-controlled data processing and network integration, meaning that in any situation where Canada’s interests diverge from America’s, our fleet could be restricted, downgraded, or even disabled remotely. The Gripen, however, allows full autonomy over its combat operations.

Just as crucially, the Gripen does not have a "kill switch" controlled by a foreign government. The F-35’s Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), now rebranded as ODIN, gives the U.S. the ability to track and manage every aircraft in service. If relations with Washington ever deteriorate, they could lock Canada out of its own fleet. This is not a risk with the Gripen, which remains fully under national control.

The Gripen ensures that Canada’s defense policy is dictated by Ottawa, not Washington. That alone makes it the superior choice.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: The Gripen Is Far Cheaper to Buy and Operate

Even if the F-35 were free, Canada still couldn’t afford to fly it at scale. The Gripen offers a financially sustainable solution, allowing Canada to field more jets, more often, with far lower long-term costs.

The F-35’s acquisition cost is at least twice that of the Gripen, meaning that for the same budget, Canada could field nearly twice as many aircraft. The financial gap only widens when considering sustainment costs. The F-35 costs more than double the Gripen to operate per flight hour, and maintenance is exponentially more expensive due to its stealth coating and software dependencies.

Even the U.S. military is struggling to afford the F-35, with sustainment costs ballooning to unsustainable levels. If a country with the world’s largest defense budget can barely keep this aircraft flying, how does Canada think it will manage?

The Gripen doesn’t just save Canada money—it ensures we actually have a functioning air force instead of an overpriced hanger fleet.

3. Designed for Arctic and Remote Operations

The F-35 was built for high-maintenance, U.S.-operated air bases with extensive logistics networks. The Gripen was designed for harsh, remote environments, making it far better suited to Canada’s vast Arctic and dispersed airfields.

Unlike the F-35, the Gripen can operate from highways, short runways, and even rough airstrips, making it much more adaptable for Canada’s geography. Sweden designed the Gripen specifically for cold-weather conditions, with advanced de-icing systems and engine reliability in freezing temperatures. The F-35, meanwhile, has been plagued by malfunctions in extreme cold, making it unreliable for Canada’s northern defense needs.

Another critical factor is maintenance and turnaround time. The Gripen requires minimal ground support, meaning that in a wartime scenario, it can be refueled, rearmed, and launched far more quickly than the F-35. The F-35’s maintenance downtime is one of its biggest weaknesses—too many are grounded at any given time, leaving a small fraction available for operations. If Canada’s priority is defending its actual territory, then the Gripen is the only logical choice.

4. Better Long-Term Defense Investment

Beyond just immediate affordability, the Gripen gives Canada far greater long-term strategic flexibility than the F-35 ever could.

Unlike the F-35, which requires U.S. contractors for major servicing, the Gripen can be fully maintained and upgraded in Canada. This means we won’t be held hostage by American defense contractors charging exorbitant rates for software patches and spare parts.

Additionally, Saab has a history of offering technology transfer agreements to Gripen buyers. This means that over time, Canada could develop its own modifications and upgrades, rather than waiting for Lockheed Martin to decide which features we’re allowed to have. The F-35, by contrast, ensures permanent dependency on U.S. suppliers and bureaucratic approval chains.

The Gripen is already fully compatible with NATO weapons systems, data-sharing protocols, and mission integration, so choosing it does not weaken Canada’s international defense commitments. Instead, it strengthens them by ensuring we bring real airpower to the table, rather than a fleet of aircraft permanently reliant on U.S. oversight.

Choosing the Gripen is not just a short-term decision—it’s an investment in true defense sovereignty for the next 50 years.

5. The Gripen vs. the F-35: The Clear Choice

There is no scenario in which the F-35 is the better choice for Canada.

The Gripen provides full operational independence, while the F-35 locks Canada into U.S. control. The Gripen costs less than half as much to purchase and operate, ensuring that Canada can maintain a real, functional air force rather than a fleet of grounded, overpriced stealth jets.

For Arctic defense and dispersed operations, the Gripen is designed to land on short runways and highways, while the F-35 requires heavily maintained airbases that make it ill-suited for Canada’s geography. The Gripen’s cold-weather performance has been tested and proven, while the F-35 struggles in freezing conditions.

The Gripen is built for independent nations that refuse to be subordinate to superpowers. The F-35, on the other hand, is a system designed to keep America’s allies dependent on Washington’s military-industrial complex.

This is not a difficult decision. The Gripen outperforms the F-35 in every category that matters to Canada’s defense needs.

Conclusion: The Gripen Is the Only Rational Choice for Canada

Canada’s fighter jet program should serve Canada’s interests first—not Washington’s defense contractors.

The Gripen allows full operational independence. It is dramatically cheaper to operate and sustain, allowing Canada to field more aircraft with a higher readiness rate. It is built for Canada’s geography and climate, ensuring our air force remains effective in the Arctic and other remote regions. Most importantly, it keeps Canada out of permanent U.S. control.

The F-35 is a $77 billion scam that compromises Canada’s security, drains our defense budget, and ensures we remain dependent on the United States for decades to come.

The Gripen is the only viable alternative—and the only fighter that keeps Canada truly sovereign.

In the next section, we will break down exactly why the Trudeau government refuses to consider the Gripen—and how political cowardice, corporate lobbying, and defense corruption are forcing Canada into the worst military deal in our history.

Why Canada Keeps Choosing the F-35: Political Cowardice, Corporate Lobbying, and Bureaucratic Dysfunction

With Trudeau about to be replaced, Canada’s next government has a critical decision to make: stay locked into the disastrous F-35 purchase or break free and choose a fighter jet that actually serves Canadian interests.

The facts haven’t changed. The Gripen is the superior option—it’s cheaper, fully sovereign, better suited for Arctic operations, and not dependent on U.S. approval for missions or maintenance. The F-35, on the other hand, is a $77 billion liability that ties Canada to decades of financial dependence and operational subservience to the United States.

If the new government wants to take a stand for military independence, economic responsibility, and strategic foresight, canceling the F-35 must be a top priority.

So why hasn’t this happened yet?

Because the F-35 isn’t about defense—it’s about pleasing Washington, protecting Lockheed Martin’s profits, and maintaining the status quo of a corrupt and dysfunctional defense procurement system.

The decision to buy the F-35 has never been about what’s best for Canada—it’s about political cowardice, corporate influence, and bureaucratic inertia.

If the new government wants to fix this mess, it has a brief window to act.

1. Canada’s Fear of Washington: Why Politicians Won’t Stand Up to the U.S.

Every major Canadian defense decision is made under the shadow of one fact: Canada is terrified of upsetting the United States.

✔️ Successive governments have chosen military policies based on what’s easiest diplomatically, not what’s best for Canada’s defense.
✔️ The U.S. routinely bullies its allies into buying American-made weapons, using economic leverage and political pressure to force compliance.
✔️ Even when better options exist—like the Gripen—Canadian leaders hesitate to make independent decisions for fear of American retaliation.

Trudeau’s government may have been weak on this front, but the next government has no excuse. The U.S. does not control Canadian defense policy—unless we let them.

If the new leadership has any spine, this is the perfect opportunity to reject the American military-industrial complex and choose a fighter that actually serves Canadian interests.

2. The Lockheed Martin Influence: How the F-35 Became a Political Trap

Lockheed Martin is not just a defense contractor—it is one of the most powerful corporate lobbying machines in the world. The F-35 program was never about building the best fighter jet—it was about creating a global financial dependency on Lockheed Martin.

✔️ Lockheed Martin has spent billions lobbying politicians, bureaucrats, and military officials to keep countries locked into the F-35 program.
✔️ The company sells F-35 contracts as “too big to cancel,” ensuring that once a country signs on, backing out becomes politically difficult.
✔️ Retired military officials who advocate for the F-35 often end up with lucrative consulting jobs at Lockheed Martin or its affiliates.

The next Canadian government has a chance to break this cycle. If they don’t, they will be just as complicit as their predecessors in handing over Canadian sovereignty to an American defense corporation.

3. Canada’s Defense Procurement System Is a Disaster

Even if a government wanted to make a smart, strategic defense decision, Canada’s military procurement system is so broken that rational choices rarely happen.

✔️ The procurement process is slow, outdated, and politically compromised.
✔️ By the time decisions are finalized, technological and strategic realities have already changed.
✔️ Canadian defense policy is built on avoiding controversy rather than making the best choices for national security.

The F-35 buy was not the result of a well-planned, logical defense strategy. It was the result of years of bureaucratic inertia, where no one wanted to take responsibility for canceling a bad deal.

The next government must take decisive action—because the longer Canada waits, the harder it will be to break free from the F-35’s financial stranglehold.

4. The NATO and Five Eyes Excuse: The Manufactured Argument for the F-35

One of the most common arguments for the F-35 is that Canada needs it to “stay integrated” with U.S. and NATO operations. The implication is that if we choose the Gripen, Canada risks being left out of joint military exercises, intelligence-sharing agreements, or NATO planning.

This is a lie.

✔️ The Gripen is fully NATO-compatible, meaning Canada would have zero operational issues in alliance missions.
✔️ Many NATO countries fly non-American jets, including France’s Rafale, Germany’s Eurofighter, and Sweden’s Gripen.
✔️ No country has ever been expelled from NATO or Five Eyes for choosing its own defense equipment.

The truth is, this is not about NATO—it’s about Lockheed Martin’s bottom line. Canada does not need the F-35 to remain a key NATO ally. What we need is a fighter jet that actually works for our defense needs—and the Gripen is the superior choice.

5. The Next Government’s Opportunity to Cancel the F-35

For the first time in nearly a decade, Canada has a real chance to reverse this disastrous decision. The incoming government does not have to inherit Trudeau’s mistakes—they can choose to fix them.

✔️ Canceling the F-35 now would save billions in long-term costs and free Canada from a half-century debt trap.
✔️ Choosing the Gripen would ensure Canada has full control over its air force, rather than being dependent on American permission.
✔️ Breaking from Lockheed Martin’s lobbying machine would set a precedent that Canada does not make defense decisions based on corporate influence.

The Trudeau government was too weak to stand up to Washington and Lockheed Martin. But the new government has a choice:

Do they want to be remembered as the administration that fixed Canada’s broken defense strategy—or as the one that locked us into a failing fighter jet program for the next 50 years?

Conclusion: The F-35 Is a Political Trap, Not a Defense Strategy

The decision to buy the F-35 was never about military effectiveness. It was about political survival, corporate lobbying, and bureaucratic dysfunction.

✔️ Canada’s leaders have historically been too afraid to challenge the U.S. defense establishment.
✔️ Lockheed Martin has ensured that once a country joins the F-35 program, backing out is politically difficult.
✔️ The military procurement system in Canada is so broken that reversing bad decisions is nearly impossible.
✔️ The NATO argument for the F-35 is a manufactured excuse to justify a bad purchase.
✔️ The incoming government has the power to cancel this mistake—but only if they act quickly.

If Canada continues down this path, the F-35 will become the worst military deal in our history—a $77 billion mistake that permanently compromises Canadian sovereignty.

The Gripen is the better fighter, the better investment, and the only jet that keeps Canada sovereign.

The new government must act now. Cancel the F-35 contract before it’s too late.

In the next section, we will break down exactly how Canada could reverse course, the legal and financial implications of canceling the contract, and what steps must be taken to finally break free from Washington’s grip on our defense policy.

How Canada Can Cancel the F-35 Deal and Buy the Gripen Instead

With a new government coming in, Canada has a brief window to undo one of the worst defense procurement mistakes in its history. The F-35 contract is not irreversible—but the longer Canada waits, the harder it will be to back out.

Canceling the deal requires political will, strategic foresight, and the courage to break free from Washington’s pressure and Lockheed Martin’s influence. The incoming government must move immediately to halt this procurement disaster before it locks Canada into a 50-year financial and military dependency on the U.S.

This section will outline exactly how Canada can reverse course, the legal and financial implications of cancellation, and the steps required to shift to the Gripen before it’s too late.

1. Understanding the F-35 Contract: Can Canada Back Out?

The first question is whether Canada can legally cancel the F-35 deal. The short answer is: yes, absolutely.

✔️ Canada has not yet finalized its full procurement order—meaning there is still an opportunity to withdraw.
✔️ Other countries have canceled or reduced their F-35 purchases without suffering significant penalties.
✔️ Contract law allows Canada to exit the deal under multiple justifications, including cost overruns, national security concerns, and changing defense priorities.

There is no binding reason why Canada must go through with this purchase. The only thing keeping the deal alive is political inertia and fear of upsetting the U.S.

2. The Legal and Financial Implications of Canceling the F-35

One of the biggest myths surrounding military procurement is that canceling a contract is financially impossible. In reality, backing out of the F-35 deal would save Canada billions in long-term costs.

✔️ Any penalty fees for canceling the contract would be a fraction of the $77 billion long-term cost of sticking with the program.
✔️ The U.S. would not retaliate militarily or economically—Canada is too important as a trade and security partner.
✔️ Canada has strong legal standing to exit the deal, especially if it cites cost overruns, strategic incompatibility, and shifting defense priorities.

Several countries have already reduced or reconsidered their F-35 commitments due to similar concerns:

✔️ Denmark reduced its F-35 buy due to cost overruns.
✔️ The Netherlands delayed orders after realizing the program’s long-term expenses were unsustainable.
✔️ Germany and Finland chose alternative fighter jets for certain missions instead of fully committing to the F-35.

There is nothing stopping Canada from canceling this deal—except fear of breaking from U.S. expectations.

3. How Canada Can Transition to the Gripen Immediately

If Canada cancels the F-35, it must move quickly to secure a better alternative. The Saab Gripen E is the only viable replacement that ensures Canada maintains a modern fighter fleet while retaining full sovereignty.

Here’s how the transition can work:

Step 1: Open Negotiations with Saab for Immediate Procurement

✔️ Saab has already offered the Gripen to Canada as part of the original fighter competition.
✔️ The Gripen can be delivered faster than additional F-35 orders, as Sweden prioritizes partners who commit early.
✔️ Canada should secure a contract with Sweden for Gripen fighters immediately before production slots fill up.

Step 2: Redirect F-35 Funds to Gripen Procurement

✔️ The billions earmarked for the F-35 sustainment and maintenance contracts should be redirected to Gripen purchases and upgrades.
✔️ Gripen’s lower operational costs mean that Canada would save billions over the next 30 years while maintaining a fully capable air force.

Step 3: Develop Domestic Maintenance and Training Programs for the Gripen

✔️ Saab has offered technology transfers to Gripen buyers, meaning Canada could build its own expertise and maintenance capabilities rather than relying on U.S. contractors.
✔️ Unlike the F-35, the Gripen does not require high-cost, U.S.-controlled sustainment programs, meaning that Canada can train its own personnel without foreign dependency.

Step 4: Integrate Gripen with NATO and NORAD Commitments

✔️ The Gripen is fully NATO-compatible, meaning that Canada would still be able to participate in all alliance missions.
✔️ The Gripen has advanced electronic warfare capabilities and network integration, ensuring that Canada maintains strong interoperability with its allies.
✔️ NORAD does not require Canada to use the F-35—it only requires modern, capable aircraft that can fulfill air defense missions, which the Gripen can do more efficiently.

By following these steps, Canada can transition smoothly away from the F-35 while maintaining its role in international defense partnerships.

4. Why Washington Won’t Punish Canada for Canceling the F-35

One of the biggest fears surrounding military procurement is the idea that canceling an American contract will provoke U.S. retaliation. But this is largely a manufactured fear—the reality is much more pragmatic.

✔️ The U.S. is not going to damage its relationship with Canada over fighter jets.
✔️ Canada remains one of America’s top trade and security partners, making economic retaliation unlikely.
✔️ The U.S. has accepted procurement shifts from other allies without diplomatic fallout.

In reality, the U.S. does not need Canada to buy the F-35. Lockheed Martin wants the deal for profit, but Washington is not going to risk damaging broader Canada-U.S. relations over a single weapons system.

If the new Canadian government makes a strong, well-reasoned case for switching to the Gripen, the U.S. will accept the decision and move on.

5. Canada’s Last Chance to Avoid a 50-Year Military Disaster

The next government has a short window to act before the F-35 deal becomes too entrenched to reverse. If Canada fails to cancel the contract now, we will be stuck with:

✔️ A $77 billion financial burden that will drain our defense budget for decades.
✔️ A fleet of aircraft that we don’t truly control—dependent on U.S. approval for every mission, software update, and maintenance cycle.
✔️ An air force that cannot operate independently in any conflict where Canada’s interests diverge from the U.S.

Canceling the F-35 is not just a military decision—it is a decision about Canada’s sovereignty, financial stability, and long-term strategic independence.

✔️ The Gripen offers a fully sovereign, cost-effective, and operationally superior alternative.
✔️ Canceling the F-35 would free up billions for other defense priorities, ensuring Canada can actually fund a capable military.
✔️ Canada has a legal, financial, and strategic justification for exiting the contract—there is no reason to remain locked in.

The only thing standing in the way of canceling the F-35 is political inertia and fear of Washington’s reaction.

The new government must act decisively. If it fails, it will be responsible for the single worst military procurement decision in Canadian history.

The time to cancel the F-35 is now.

How Canadians Can Pressure the Government to Cancel the F-35 Deal

The decision to buy the F-35 is not just a military mistake—it’s a betrayal of Canada’s financial stability, military sovereignty, and long-term strategic independence. The new government has a brief window to reverse course, but it won’t happen unless Canadians apply serious political pressure.

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. military-industrial complex will fight hard to keep Canada locked into this deal. The only way to break free is through public pressure, media scrutiny, and direct political action.

If Canada is to avoid the worst defense procurement disaster in its history, the public must make it politically impossible for the government to continue down this path.

This section will outline the key strategies for mobilizing political, media, and public pressure to ensure that Canada cancels the F-35 contract before it’s too late.

1. Public Awareness: Educating Canadians About the F-35 Disaster

Most Canadians don’t realize the full scale of the F-35 disaster-in-waiting. The government and mainstream media have downplayed the risks, hidden the long-term costs, and framed the purchase as a done deal.

✔️ The first step is mass education. Every Canadian should know that the F-35 is a $77 billion financial trap that hands our air force over to U.S. control.
✔️ Independent media, social media, and alternative news sources must be mobilized to expose the truth about this deal.
✔️ Infographics, short videos, and easy-to-read reports should be widely shared to break through government propaganda.

This is not just about military policy—this is about taxpayer money, economic sovereignty, and national independence. The more Canadians understand what’s at stake, the harder it will be for the government to justify this purchase.

2. Political Mobilization: Forcing the Government’s Hand

If Canada is going to cancel the F-35, the government needs to feel real political pressure—not just from the public, but from MPs, opposition parties, and key political figures.

Steps for Political Mobilization:

✔️ Contact MPs Directly – Every Member of Parliament, regardless of party, must be flooded with calls, emails, and letters demanding they take a stand against the F-35 deal.
✔️ Push Opposition Parties to Take a Public Position – If the ruling party refuses to act, the NDP, Bloc Québécois, and other opposition forces must be pressured to make canceling the F-35 a political issue.
✔️ Use Town Halls and Public Forums – Wherever politicians are speaking, the F-35 deal must be confronted head-on. Public events should be used to demand accountability for this reckless purchase.
✔️ Petitions and Open Letters – A national petition calling for the cancellation of the F-35 and adoption of the Gripen should be widely circulated and presented to Parliament.

If politicians feel that supporting the F-35 will cost them votes, they will be forced to reconsider the deal.

3. Media Pressure: Breaking Through Government Propaganda

The mainstream media has largely ignored the long-term risks of the F-35, instead treating it as a routine military purchase. That needs to change.

How to Force Media Coverage:

✔️ Independent journalists must investigate the F-35’s failures – Canada’s news cycle must be flooded with stories about cost overruns, reliability failures, and loss of sovereignty.
✔️ Experts, former military officials, and analysts must go public – Any defense and procurement experts who oppose the F-35 must be given a platform to expose the deal’s flaws.
✔️ Leaked documents and insider reports must be circulated – If government officials, bureaucrats, or military personnel know the true risks of this deal, they must be encouraged to speak out.
✔️ Public demonstrations must generate headlines – If thousands of Canadians publicly protest the F-35, the media will be forced to cover the controversy.

Right now, Lockheed Martin benefits from a quiet, unchallenged deal. That silence must be shattered with sustained media scrutiny.

4. Coalition-Building: Uniting Forces Against the F-35

The F-35 isn’t just a bad deal for military experts—it’s a disaster for taxpayers, economists, sovereignty advocates, and even climate-conscious Canadians.

A successful push against the F-35 must unite multiple groups that have a stake in this fight.

✔️ Economic watchdogs should highlight the $77 billion cost burden that will cripple Canada’s defense budget.
✔️ Military reform advocates should expose how the F-35 undermines Canada’s ability to act independently.
✔️ Sovereignty activists should frame the F-35 as a weapon of American control over Canadian defense policy.
✔️ Taxpayer advocacy groups should emphasize how wasted military spending harms healthcare, infrastructure, and public services.
✔️ Green policy groups should demand an inquiry into the F-35’s excessive fuel consumption and environmental impact.

By framing this as a national issue that affects everyone, the campaign against the F-35 can gain momentum beyond just military circles.

5. The Gripen as the Alternative: Keeping the Focus on a Better Solution

Opposing the F-35 is only half the battle—Canada must also push for a viable replacement. If the government cancels the F-35 but fails to secure a better jet, we risk repeating the same procurement disaster.

That’s why every argument against the F-35 must be paired with a strong case for the Gripen.

✔️ The Gripen is fully NATO-compatible – Canada’s allies will not be alienated by this decision.
✔️ The Gripen costs half as much to operate, ensuring Canada can afford more aircraft with higher availability.
✔️ The Gripen does not require U.S. permission for missions or upgrades, giving Canada full sovereignty over its air force.
✔️ Saab has already offered technology transfers, allowing Canada to develop domestic expertise instead of relying on American contractors.

If the Gripen is kept at the center of the debate, canceling the F-35 becomes a logical step forward—not just a rejection of the status quo.

6. Conclusion: This Fight Can Be Won—But Only If Canadians Take Action

The F-35 is not inevitable. It is a political decision—one that can still be reversed if Canadians demand accountability from their leaders.

✔️ The deal can be canceled. There is no legal or financial reason why Canada must go through with it.
✔️ The U.S. will not punish Canada. Washington will not risk damaging trade and security ties over a single fighter jet purchase.
✔️ The Gripen is the superior alternative. It is cheaper, more independent, and better suited to Canada’s defense needs.
✔️ Public pressure can change the government’s course. If Canadians mobilize, contact MPs, and force media coverage, the new government will have no choice but to reconsider the F-35.

This is Canada’s last chance to avoid a military procurement disaster that will haunt us for the next 50 years.

The F-35 is a trap. The Gripen is the way out.

If Canada is going to make the right decision, it must happen now.

A Concrete Action Plan to Stop the F-35 and Secure the Gripen for Canada

The battle against the F-35 is not just an abstract policy debate—it is a fight for Canada’s financial stability, military sovereignty, and long-term strategic independence. The new government has a short window to cancel this deal before it becomes too politically and bureaucratically entrenched.

If Canadians want to stop the F-35 disaster, action must be taken now. Complaints on social media won’t be enough—this requires organized, coordinated, and sustained political pressure.

This section outlines a step-by-step action plan for individuals, advocacy groups, and media allies to force the government to cancel the F-35 and commit to the Gripen.

1. Organize a National Petition and Parliamentary Submission

A high-profile, widely circulated petition against the F-35 deal will serve as a public accountability tool. Once enough signatures are gathered, it must be formally submitted to Parliament to ensure a public response from the government.

✔️ Launch an online petition on multiple platforms (e.g., Change.org, official government petition site).
✔️ Ensure it includes clear demands: cancel the F-35, reallocate funds, and secure a Gripen procurement deal.
✔️ Gather at least 100,000 signatures—enough to make it impossible for the government to ignore.
✔️ Present the petition directly to Parliament, ensuring it forces a response from the ruling party.

If well-executed, this forces a public debate and puts pressure on elected officials to take a stand.

2. Flood MPs with Calls, Emails, and Letters

Politicians respond to direct voter pressure. If MPs are bombarded with thousands of calls, emails, and letters, they will be forced to take a position.

✔️ Identify key MPs—Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and all members of the Standing Committee on National Defence.
✔️ Draft concise, fact-driven messages—emphasizing cost overruns, loss of sovereignty, and the Gripen alternative.
✔️ Coordinate mass calling/email days—ensuring a continuous flood of public feedback.
✔️ Target opposition MPs as well, urging them to make this an official issue in Parliament.

If enough pressure is applied, MPs will be forced to respond publicly—putting additional heat on the government.

3. Public Demonstrations and Direct Action

Governments are far more likely to respond when an issue becomes highly visible. Protests, rallies, and direct action can create national media attention that makes the F-35 deal politically toxic.

✔️ Stage protests at key government locations, including Parliament Hill, provincial legislatures, and military procurement offices.
✔️ Organize a national day of action, where activists in multiple cities hold simultaneous demonstrations.
✔️ Use veterans and former military officials as speakers, making the argument harder to dismiss.
✔️ Pressure political party conventions, forcing leadership candidates to take a position.

If protests generate national media coverage, the government will face significant pressure to justify the F-35 purchase—which it cannot do convincingly.

4. Media Strategy: Force Journalists to Cover the F-35 Controversy

The mainstream media has largely ignored the biggest problems with the F-35. That needs to change.

✔️ Pressure journalists to investigate the cost overruns, control issues, and Lockheed Martin’s influence.
✔️ Submit op-eds and guest articles to major publications, framing the F-35 as a threat to Canada’s sovereignty.
✔️ Encourage whistleblowers within the defense sector to speak out about internal concerns.
✔️ Use alternative media and social media campaigns to bypass mainstream gatekeeping.

If the media starts exposing the truth about the F-35, it becomes harder for the government to defend its decision.

5. Build a Broad Coalition Against the F-35

Opposition to the F-35 should not be limited to military analysts and defense experts. This deal is a disaster for taxpayers, sovereignty advocates, and fiscal conservatives—making it an issue that can unite a diverse coalition.

✔️ Engage taxpayer watchdog organizations, highlighting the wasteful spending and debt burden.
✔️ Partner with sovereignty groups, framing the F-35 as a threat to Canada’s military independence.
✔️ Involve business and finance experts, exposing how the F-35 undermines economic security.
✔️ Mobilize progressive and environmental groups, attacking the F-35’s massive carbon footprint and emissions.

If multiple interest groups oppose the F-35 for different reasons, it becomes far more difficult for the government to defend.

6. Expose Lockheed Martin’s Lobbying and Influence Operations

Lockheed Martin has spent decades manipulating governments and using corporate lobbying to ensure no country can escape the F-35 program. Canada’s deal is not based on military need—it is based on pressure from the U.S. defense industry.

✔️ Investigate financial ties between Lockheed Martin and Canadian officials—identify revolving door corruption.
✔️ Expose the political lobbying efforts behind the deal, showing how Canadian policymakers were pushed into this contract.
✔️ Release reports on F-35 failures worldwide, showing how other countries are regretting their purchases.
✔️ Highlight Sweden’s offer of technology transfer with the Gripen, proving that Canada has a better alternative.

By exposing the corrupt and corporate-driven nature of the F-35 deal, public trust in the procurement process collapses—giving the new government an excuse to cancel the contract.

7. Demand a Parliamentary Inquiry into the F-35 Procurement Process

If the government refuses to cancel the F-35 outright, forcing an official investigation is the next best step.

✔️ Petition for a full inquiry into the costs, risks, and strategic failures of the F-35.
✔️ Pressure opposition parties to call hearings on the procurement process.
✔️ Expose any financial misconduct, lobbying pressure, or contract mismanagement.
✔️ Ensure that alternative options—especially the Gripen—are given a fair review.

If an inquiry uncovers flaws in the F-35 procurement, it gives the government a legitimate reason to exit the deal without political fallout.

8. Conclusion: The F-35 Can Be Stopped—But Only If Canadians Take Action Now

The fight against the F-35 is winnable. The contract is not yet fully locked in, and the new government has the power to cancel the deal before it becomes irreversible.

✔️ A national petition and parliamentary submission can force a government response.
✔️ Flooding MPs with calls and emails can shift political pressure against the F-35.
✔️ Protests and direct action can create media attention and force public debate.
✔️ A coordinated media strategy can break through government propaganda.
✔️ A broad coalition can unite Canadians from all political backgrounds against the deal.
✔️ Exposing Lockheed Martin’s lobbying efforts can discredit the entire procurement process.
✔️ A parliamentary inquiry can provide the legal and financial justification to cancel the F-35.

The next few months will determine whether Canada is stuck with a $77 billion military disaster or whether we reclaim our sovereignty, save billions, and invest in a fighter jet that actually serves our defense needs.

If Canada moves now, the F-35 deal can still be stopped. The Gripen is the better option—cheaper, fully sovereign, and more effective for Canada’s defense strategy.

This is the moment to force the government’s hand.

If Canadians act now, we can cancel the F-35 before it’s too late.

Reclaiming Canada’s Defense Sovereignty: A Post-F-35 Strategy

Stopping the F-35 is only the beginning. If Canada successfully cancels the deal, the country has a rare opportunity to reshape its entire defense strategy—one that prioritizes sovereignty, cost-effectiveness, and military independence rather than blind loyalty to U.S. defense contractors.

A post-F-35 Canada must not simply find another jet—it must develop a long-term defense vision that ensures the country never falls into another procurement disaster dictated by American interests. This means choosing the right fighter, the right procurement strategy, and the right defense policies for Canada’s future.

This section outlines what comes next after canceling the F-35—how Canada should structure its fighter procurement, military strategy, and geopolitical position to ensure true independence.

1. Move Immediately to Secure the Gripen E

The most immediate priority after canceling the F-35 is securing a modern, capable, and cost-effective fighter fleet. Canada cannot afford to be left without a viable air defense option.

The Saab Gripen E is the obvious choice—but Canada must act fast to ensure it gets priority production slots.

✔️ Open negotiations with Sweden immediately to secure a Gripen procurement deal.
✔️ Purchase a mix of single-seat Gripen Es and two-seat Gripen Fs, ensuring both frontline capability and training capacity.
✔️ Insist on technology transfer agreements, allowing Canada to maintain and upgrade its own aircraft without reliance on foreign contractors.
✔️ Develop a rapid transition plan to phase in the Gripen while retiring aging CF-18s.

If Canada moves decisively, the Gripen can be operational well before the F-35 would have been combat-ready—and at a fraction of the cost.

2. Build Domestic Fighter Maintenance and Production Capabilities

One of the biggest problems with the F-35 is that it forces Canada to rely on U.S. contractors for every aspect of maintenance and upgrades. That mistake must never be repeated.

With the Gripen, Canada has a chance to develop its own fighter aircraft expertise, ensuring long-term independence.

✔️ Establish a domestic maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the Gripen fleet.
✔️ Train Canadian technicians and pilots in Gripen operations and software, eliminating reliance on foreign expertise.
✔️ Negotiate local production or parts manufacturing agreements with Saab, ensuring Canada gains economic benefits from the purchase.
✔️ Invest in domestic aerospace research and development, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for future upgrades.

If Sweden is willing to transfer Gripen technology, Canada should take full advantage—ensuring the country never again has to depend on the U.S. for fighter aircraft readiness.

3. Restructure Canada’s Military to Prioritize Defense, Not Foreign Wars

The F-35 is designed for U.S.-led expeditionary warfare, not for defending Canadian airspace. Moving to the Gripen is a chance to rethink Canada’s entire defense posture—shifting away from participation in foreign interventions and back toward protecting Canadian sovereignty.

✔️ Refocus the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on Arctic and homeland defense, ensuring military resources are directed toward protecting Canada, not fighting U.S. wars.
✔️ Strengthen NORAD without dependence on U.S. technology, ensuring that Canada’s air defense capabilities are independent from American control.
✔️ Expand investments in drone technology and early warning systems, complementing the Gripen fleet with modern surveillance and electronic warfare assets.
✔️ Reduce reliance on U.S. military logistics, ensuring that Canada can operate independently in any crisis.

By shifting military priorities, Canada avoids being dragged into future conflicts that serve U.S. interests rather than its own.

4. Strengthen Alliances Beyond the U.S. Military-Industrial Complex

For too long, Canada’s defense policy has been shaped by American expectations rather than by Canada’s own strategic needs. The F-35 deal is a symptom of a larger issue—an overreliance on U.S. military partnerships at the expense of independent decision-making.

By canceling the F-35 and choosing the Gripen, Canada sends a clear message: we make our own defense decisions, not Washington.

✔️ Deepen military and industrial partnerships with Sweden, the UK, and other non-U.S. allies, ensuring that Canada has alternative suppliers and strategic options.
✔️ Invest in European defense cooperation, including closer integration with Saab, BAE Systems, and other non-American defense contractors.
✔️ Engage in defense collaboration with neutral nations, ensuring that Canada does not become trapped in great-power rivalries.
✔️ Strengthen Arctic defense cooperation with Scandinavian countries, ensuring regional security without reliance on American command structures.

Canada can remain a strong NATO partner without being a client state of the U.S. military-industrial complex.

5. Reform Canada’s Defense Procurement System to Prevent Future Disasters

The F-35 was not just a bad fighter choice—it was the result of a broken procurement system that prioritizes politics, corporate lobbying, and bureaucratic inertia over rational military planning.

To prevent future disasters, Canada must fundamentally restructure its defense procurement process.

✔️ End reliance on U.S.-dominated procurement frameworks, ensuring that all future military acquisitions are based on Canadian needs, not Washington’s expectations.
✔️ Increase transparency in military procurement, requiring independent oversight of all major defense contracts.
✔️ Ban government officials from joining defense corporations for at least five years after leaving office, closing the revolving door between Lockheed Martin and Canadian policymakers.
✔️ Require independent cost-benefit analyses for all major military purchases, ensuring that future contracts are based on logic, not lobbying.
✔️ Encourage competition from non-U.S. defense firms, ensuring that Canada has multiple options for weapons procurement rather than defaulting to American contractors.

A modern, transparent, and independent defense procurement system would ensure that Canada never gets trapped in another F-35-style boondoggle again.

6. Conclusion: The F-35 Was a Mistake—Now Canada Must Take Control of Its Future

Canceling the F-35 is not just about fixing one bad military deal—it is about reclaiming Canadian defense sovereignty from U.S. influence and Lockheed Martin’s corporate control.

✔️ Canada must move immediately to secure the Gripen, ensuring a smooth transition away from the F-35.
✔️ A domestic fighter maintenance and production capability must be developed, ensuring long-term military independence.
✔️ Canada’s military must be refocused on actual national defense—not U.S.-led foreign wars.
✔️ Non-U.S. defense partnerships must be strengthened to reduce reliance on American suppliers.
✔️ The entire defense procurement system must be reformed to prevent future corporate-driven disasters.

This is a defining moment for Canada’s military future. The new government has a unique opportunity to break free from the mistakes of the past and chart a course toward a self-sufficient, cost-effective, and strategically independent defense policy.

✔️ The F-35 would have locked Canada into 50 years of financial and military subservience.
✔️ Canceling it now ensures that Canada remains in control of its own air force and defense priorities.
✔️ Choosing the Gripen is not just about picking a different fighter—it’s about choosing sovereignty over dependence.

This is Canada’s last chance to avoid a catastrophic defense mistake.

The path forward is clear.

Cancel the F-35. Buy the Gripen. Reclaim our military independence.

The Final Push: Turning Political Will into Action

Canceling the F-35 isn’t just about military hardware—it’s about breaking Canada’s dependence on the U.S. military-industrial complex and forging a sovereign defense policy. The next government will have a short window of opportunity to act before Lockheed Martin and entrenched bureaucrats make the contract irreversible.

The arguments are clear. The Gripen is the better fighter for Canada. The F-35 is a financial and strategic disaster. Now, the challenge is turning political opportunity into decisive action.

The government needs a firm, well-executed strategy to cancel the deal, secure a better fighter, and reshape Canada’s defense policy for the next 50 years. This final section outlines exactly how the new leadership must act to ensure Canada does not remain trapped in the F-35 program.

1. The New Government’s First 100 Days: A Timeline for Cancellation

The first 100 days of the new government will be crucial in determining whether Canada remains locked into the F-35 deal or moves toward military independence. The longer Ottawa waits, the harder it will be to undo the procurement.

Immediate Actions (First 30 Days)

✔️ Announce a full review of the F-35 procurement process—signal that the contract is not guaranteed.
✔️ Freeze further financial commitments to the F-35 program, preventing bureaucrats from making irreversible decisions.
✔️ Engage directly with Saab to outline procurement options for the Gripen, ensuring a seamless transition plan.
✔️ Begin an independent cost-benefit analysis of the F-35 vs. the Gripen, presenting a clear case for cancellation.

Phase Two (Days 31-60)

✔️ Publicly disclose full cost estimates for the F-35, exposing hidden financial burdens.
✔️ Introduce a Parliamentary motion calling for an alternative fighter procurement process.
✔️ Launch negotiations with Sweden for a Gripen E fleet, securing a competitive deal with technology transfer.
✔️ Hold committee hearings on military procurement transparency, ensuring no future deals are locked in without oversight.

Final Phase (Days 61-100)

✔️ Officially cancel the F-35 procurement contract, citing cost, strategic misalignment, and sovereignty concerns.
✔️ Announce Canada’s commitment to the Gripen E as the primary fighter jet, emphasizing cost savings and independence.
✔️ Begin restructuring Canada’s defense procurement system to prevent future disasters.
✔️ Launch a national defense strategy review, ensuring Canada’s military remains focused on self-defense, not foreign wars.

The first 100 days will define whether Canada remains trapped in the F-35 boondoggle or takes decisive action to reclaim military independence.

2. Countering Expected U.S. Pressure and Lockheed Martin Retaliation

Canceling the F-35 will not go unnoticed in Washington. The U.S. military-industrial complex does not take kindly to countries rejecting Lockheed Martin contracts. The next government must be prepared for three key forms of pressure:

Diplomatic Pressure from the U.S. Government

✔️ Expect U.S. officials to warn that canceling the F-35 will “hurt Canada’s defense ties”. This is a bluff—Canada’s strategic importance to the U.S. means Washington will not risk damaging broader relations over one weapons contract.
✔️ The government should publicly reaffirm Canada’s commitment to NORAD and NATO, making it clear that rejecting the F-35 does not mean withdrawing from allied operations.
✔️ Engage with European allies to show that Canada is moving toward a more self-sufficient defense strategy.

Economic and Trade Threats from U.S. Defense Contractors

✔️ Lockheed Martin and U.S. defense lobbyists will threaten economic retaliation. Canada should counter this by securing alternative economic and trade partnerships with European defense firms.
✔️ Canada should highlight Saab’s willingness to transfer Gripen technology, proving that non-American defense firms offer better industrial benefits than Lockheed Martin.

Media and Political Spin Against the Cancellation

✔️ Expect Lockheed-backed Canadian defense analysts to flood the media with pro-F-35 propaganda.
✔️ The government must control the narrative, using hard data to show how the F-35 would cripple Canada’s defense budget while failing to meet operational needs.
✔️ Military officials who oppose the F-35 should be encouraged to speak publicly, countering the defense lobby’s messaging.

The only way to counter U.S. and corporate pressure is to move quickly, decisively, and with a well-organized communication strategy.

3. Restructuring Canada’s Defense Priorities Post-F-35

Canceling the F-35 is an opportunity for broader military reform. Canada’s future defense strategy must focus on self-sufficiency, Arctic defense, and military independence.

✔️ Prioritize Arctic defense and sovereignty over foreign interventionist operations.
✔️ Invest in homegrown defense industries, ensuring that Canada develops its own military technology and maintenance capabilities.
✔️ Expand partnerships beyond the U.S., strengthening ties with Sweden, the UK, and other NATO allies that respect Canadian sovereignty.
✔️ End automatic reliance on U.S. military doctrine, ensuring that Canada develops a uniquely Canadian approach to defense.

This is not just about fighter jets—it is about resetting Canada’s entire defense posture to be independent, cost-effective, and self-reliant.

4. Ensuring No Future Government Can Reverse the Decision

Canceling the F-35 would be a massive win for Canadian sovereignty—but future governments could still be pressured into reviving the contract under U.S. influence.

To prevent this, the next government must:

✔️ Legislate strict procurement oversight to prevent future governments from signing reckless contracts.
✔️ Expand Canada’s domestic defense production capacity, ensuring future aircraft purchases do not require foreign approval.
✔️ Permanently establish a policy of multi-vendor competition, ensuring Canada is never locked into a single U.S. supplier again.
✔️ Create a public defense review process, requiring full transparency in all major military acquisitions.

This ensures that once the F-35 is gone, it stays gone.

5. The Final Message: Canada’s Moment to Reclaim Its Sovereignty

This is Canada’s moment. The F-35 represents a future of dependency, debt, and subservience to Washington. Canceling the contract is about more than just fighter jets—it is about reclaiming our right to control our own military, our own budget, and our own future.

✔️ Canada must act now. The new government has a brief window to stop this deal before it becomes irreversible.
✔️ The Gripen is the better alternative. It is cheaper, fully sovereign, and better suited to Canadian defense needs.
✔️ The U.S. will not retaliate in any meaningful way. Washington relies on Canada too much to jeopardize broader relations over one fighter jet purchase.
✔️ This is a defining moment for Canada’s independence. A country that cannot control its own defense procurement is not truly sovereign.

The choice is clear.

Canada must cancel the F-35. Canada must buy the Gripen. Canada must take control of its own future.

The only question left is: will our leaders have the courage to act?

The Path Forward: Building a New Era of Canadian Defense Independence

Canceling the F-35 would be one of the most significant military procurement decisions in modern Canadian history. But the fight doesn’t end there. Once Canada is free from the American military-industrial complex’s grip, the country must lay the groundwork for a fully sovereign, self-sustaining, and strategically independent defense policy.

A post-F-35 era is not just about choosing a different fighter jet—it’s about fundamentally restructuring how Canada approaches national defense, military procurement, and international alliances. The long-term goal is clear: Canada must never again be trapped in a weapons deal that serves foreign interests over its own.

This section outlines how Canada must reshape its military strategy, defense industry, and geopolitical posture to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

1. Establishing a National Defense Sovereignty Doctrine

For decades, Canada’s military policies have been dictated by the interests of the United States rather than by an independent national security strategy. That must change.

The next government should enshrine a formal National Defense Sovereignty Doctrine that lays out the principles guiding Canada’s military decisions:

✔️ All Canadian military procurement decisions must prioritize national sovereignty over foreign political or corporate influence.
✔️ No future government can commit to exclusive U.S. weapons programs without a full parliamentary review and independent cost-benefit analysis.
✔️ Canada must develop a multi-vendor defense procurement system, ensuring access to non-U.S. defense suppliers like Sweden, the UK, Germany, and domestic manufacturers.
✔️ Canadian defense policy must prioritize homeland defense—particularly Arctic sovereignty, airspace protection, and naval self-sufficiency—rather than foreign interventions.
✔️ Canada must maintain full operational independence over all military assets, ensuring no foreign power can restrict or disable critical defense systems.

This doctrine would cement Canada’s commitment to military self-sufficiency, preventing future leaders from blindly following U.S. geopolitical agendas at the expense of Canadian security.

2. Strengthening Canada’s Domestic Defense Industry

One of the key failures of the F-35 program is that it locks Canada into permanent reliance on American defense contractors. To break free from this system, Canada must invest in its own defense manufacturing sector, ensuring that future military needs are met with domestically produced or independently sourced equipment.

Key Steps to Strengthen Canada’s Defense Industry:

✔️ Expand domestic fighter jet maintenance and production capabilities, ensuring that Canada can sustain and upgrade its fleet independently.
✔️ Offer tax incentives and government contracts to Canadian aerospace firms, allowing them to develop indigenous fighter components and weapons systems.
✔️ Negotiate technology-sharing agreements with European defense firms, allowing Canada to develop expertise outside of the U.S. military ecosystem.
✔️ Develop independent software and avionics programs, preventing foreign governments from controlling Canada’s military networks.
✔️ Encourage university and private-sector research in defense technologies, building a long-term pipeline of Canadian expertise in military innovation.

The goal is clear: Canada should never again have to ask Washington for permission to maintain, repair, or upgrade its own weapons.

3. Prioritizing Arctic Defense and Homeland Security

The biggest flaw of the F-35 is that it was never designed for Canada’s unique defense needs. It is a first-strike, expeditionary warplane, meant for U.S.-led invasions—not for patrolling Canada’s Arctic airspace or defending against real territorial threats.

By choosing the Gripen and shifting its defense priorities, Canada can finally invest in military capabilities that actually protect its borders.

✔️ Expand Arctic air patrols with a Gripen-based fleet, ensuring that Canadian airspace remains protected against foreign incursions.
✔️ Strengthen early-warning radar systems, ensuring that Canada’s northern regions are not vulnerable to undetected air and naval threats.
✔️ Increase investments in Arctic-capable naval forces, ensuring that Canada can maintain permanent maritime sovereignty over the Northwest Passage.
✔️ Deploy remote-operated drone surveillance systems, providing real-time intelligence on Arctic security threats without reliance on U.S. technology.
✔️ Train Canadian forces for extreme cold-weather operations, ensuring that Canada is prepared for future Arctic conflicts.

The next 50 years will see increasing geopolitical competition in the Arctic. By investing in sovereign air, naval, and surveillance capabilities, Canada can ensure that its northern territories remain under full national control.

4. Ending Canada’s Dependence on U.S. Intelligence and Military Networks

One of the most dangerous aspects of the F-35 program is that it forces Canada to be fully integrated into the U.S. military intelligence network. The aircraft’s software, mission data, and battlefield communications are all controlled by American systems, meaning that Washington could disable or restrict Canada’s military operations at any time.

To ensure long-term military sovereignty, Canada must reduce its dependence on U.S. intelligence and combat networks.

✔️ Invest in independent military communication satellites, ensuring that Canadian forces are not reliant on U.S.-controlled networks.
✔️ Develop domestic cyber-defense programs, protecting Canada’s military infrastructure from foreign control.
✔️ Expand intelligence-sharing agreements with non-U.S. allies, ensuring that Canada has alternative sources of strategic information.
✔️ Strengthen Canadian encryption and cybersecurity protocols, preventing unauthorized U.S. access to military systems.
✔️ Reduce Canada’s reliance on U.S. nuclear deterrence, ensuring that national security decisions are made independently.

By building its own intelligence and military communications infrastructure, Canada can prevent any foreign power from interfering in its national defense operations.

5. Strengthening Non-U.S. Military Alliances

For decades, Canada has been told that it must follow the U.S. military or risk being left behind. This is a false choice—many nations have developed independent defense strategies while remaining respected NATO partners.

By expanding military cooperation with other allies, Canada can reduce its reliance on Washington while maintaining global security partnerships.

✔️ Deepen defense collaboration with Sweden, the UK, and France, ensuring access to non-U.S. defense technologies.
✔️ Strengthen security ties with Arctic nations, building a coalition for regional defense without U.S. interference.
✔️ Expand Canada’s role in European-led security initiatives, ensuring that NATO remains a balanced alliance, not just a U.S.-dominated military force.
✔️ Develop bilateral military agreements with non-NATO allies, ensuring Canada has strategic options outside of U.S.-controlled security frameworks.

By fostering diverse, independent military partnerships, Canada can protect itself from being economically or strategically trapped by a single foreign power.

6. Conclusion: A Bold, Sovereign Vision for Canada’s Future

Canceling the F-35 is about more than rejecting a bad jet—it is about reclaiming Canada’s right to make independent military decisions, free from U.S. control.

✔️ The F-35 would have locked Canada into permanent dependency on U.S. weapons contractors, warfighting doctrine, and military networks.
✔️ A Gripen-based fleet ensures Canada maintains full sovereignty over its air force while cutting costs by half.
✔️ Reforming Canada’s defense procurement system ensures that no future government can repeat the mistakes of the F-35 debacle.
✔️ Prioritizing Arctic defense, independent intelligence capabilities, and non-U.S. military alliances ensures Canada remains a truly sovereign nation.

This is Canada’s moment to redefine its military future. The new government has a rare opportunity to break free from American military control and chart an independent path forward.

The choice is clear.

Reject the F-35. Choose the Gripen. Invest in Canadian sovereignty.

If Canada fails to act now, we will be trapped in the biggest military mistake in our nation’s history. But if we take this opportunity, we can secure true independence for the next 50 years.

The decision is ours to make.

The only question left is: will Canada finally stand on its own?

The Final Call: Will Canada Seize Its Moment or Surrender Its Future?

This is the defining moment for Canada’s military future. The choice before us is not just about fighter jets—it is about sovereignty, financial responsibility, and whether Canada controls its own defense policy or remains a dependent client state of the U.S. military-industrial complex.

If the new government does not immediately cancel the F-35, Canada will be locked into:

✔️ A $77 billion financial disaster that will drain the defense budget for decades.
✔️ An aircraft we do not control—where mission data, software, and combat effectiveness are dictated by Washington.
✔️ A U.S.-dependent warfighting doctrine that forces Canada into American foreign interventions rather than protecting our own airspace.
✔️ A military procurement system that prioritizes corporate lobbying over Canadian security needs.

If this deal goes forward, the consequences will not just be felt today. This will define Canada’s military trajectory for the next 50 years. Future governments will be forced to keep pouring money into the F-35, even as better alternatives exist, because backing out will be seen as too politically costly.

The Gripen is the clear alternative—a cheaper, fully sovereign, operationally superior fighter that actually meets Canada’s defense needs. The solution is right in front of us.

But the question remains: will our leaders have the courage to act?

1. The New Government’s Duty: Make the Right Call Before It’s Too Late

Every incoming government faces a moment where they must prove whether they serve the public interest or entrenched power structures. For Canada’s new leadership, this is that moment.

✔️ Canceling the F-35 is not a partisan issue—it is a national security necessity.
✔️ Backing out now will save billions in wasted spending and free up funding for a real defense strategy.
✔️ This decision will define the government’s commitment to sovereignty and fiscal responsibility.
✔️ If the government fails to act, future generations will be left with the consequences.

If the government wants to show that it is serious about Canada’s long-term security, this must be one of its first major acts:

✔️ Announce a full review and immediate freeze on F-35 funding.
✔️ Negotiate a Gripen E procurement deal within the first 100 days.
✔️ Reform the broken defense procurement system to prevent future disasters.

The government will either stand up for Canadian sovereignty—or bow to U.S. pressure and corporate lobbying.

Which path they choose will define their legacy.

2. The Public’s Role: Canadians Must Demand Action

Politicians do not act unless the public forces them to. The only way to ensure Canada does not stay locked into this military boondoggle is for Canadians to apply massive and sustained pressure.

What Canadians Must Do Now:

✔️ Call and email MPs, demanding an immediate halt to the F-35 procurement.
✔️ Push opposition parties to publicly oppose the F-35 and demand a Gripen alternative.
✔️ Sign and circulate petitions calling for the contract to be canceled.
✔️ Force media coverage by writing op-eds, contacting journalists, and challenging pro-F-35 narratives.
✔️ Organize public demonstrations, ensuring the government cannot quietly finalize the contract.
✔️ Expose Lockheed Martin’s lobbying efforts and corporate influence over Canada’s defense policy.

This must be a national movement—because once the contract is fully locked in, there is no going back.

3. The Consequences of Inaction: If We Do Nothing, We Lose More Than Just Money

If Canada fails to act now, we are not just wasting billions on an overpriced fighter—we are ceding control over our own military for the next half-century.

✔️ The U.S. will have veto power over Canadian military operations.
✔️ Canada’s defense budget will be crippled by excessive F-35 sustainment costs.
✔️ Canadian aerospace companies will lose out on the opportunity to develop real domestic capabilities.
✔️ Future governments will have no choice but to keep spending on a failing aircraft because backing out will be too costly.
✔️ Canada will remain a second-tier military partner, reliant on Washington’s approval for every major defense decision.

This is not just about aircraft.

This is about whether Canada is a sovereign nation or a dependent client state.

The window for action is closing—and if Canadians do not demand change now, we will be paying the price for decades to come.

4. The Final Message: Canada Must Choose Sovereignty Over Dependence

The choice is clear:

✔️ The F-35 is a financial trap, a strategic liability, and a symbol of Canadian subservience to Washington.
✔️ The Gripen is the smarter, cheaper, and fully sovereign alternative.
✔️ Canceling the F-35 now will save billions and ensure Canada controls its own military future.
✔️ If the new government does not act, the public must force their hand through massive political pressure.

This is a defining moment.

Will Canada take control of its own defense policy—or will we surrender to U.S. corporate and military influence?

The decision must be made now. Because once the F-35 deal is finalized, there will be no turning back.

Call to Action: Demand the Government Cancel the F-35 Now

If you believe that Canada must remain an independent nation with full control over its military, budget, and defense policy, then now is the time to take action.

📌 Contact your MP and demand an immediate halt to the F-35 procurement.
📌 Share this message and educate others on why the F-35 is a disaster for Canada.
📌 Push political leaders to endorse the Gripen E as Canada’s next fighter.
📌 Join demonstrations and advocacy efforts to make this issue impossible to ignore.

This is not just about jets.

This is about Canada’s future as a sovereign nation.

The time to act is now. Cancel the F-35. Choose the Gripen. Take back control.