ANALYSIS | U.S. could hold a 'red card' over Canada's Gripen fighter jet option

Why Canada Won’t Dare Choose the JAS 39 Gripen over the F-35

Summary and Key Points: Jack Buckby, a defense and national security analyst, evaluates the potential for the United States to issue a “red card” to Canada if it abandons the F-35 program for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. -This report analyzes the role of Link 16 tactical data networks and MIDS terminals, which are governed […]

ANALYSIS | U.S. could hold a 'red card' over Canada's Gripen fighter jet option

As Ottawa reviews its F-35 purchase, there's concern Washington holds a powerful lever — control of the secure Link 16 network used for NATO and NORAD operations. Swedish Gripens and Danish F-35s operate together in NATO missions, but U.S. approval is required for the encryption system — raising concerns it could be withheld if Canada chooses the Gripen.