How the Saab 29 ‘Flying Barrel’ Fighter Sent a Big Message to the F-35

Gripen fighter jet purchase would allow Canada to assert sovereignty, says past chair of House Defence Committee McKay

The future success of trade talks with the U.S. will weigh heavily when Canada decides if it wants to buy the American F-35 plane, says consultant Eric Miller.

Will U.S. threats force Canada to buy the F-35?

Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, has said a trade deal would be off if Canada decides not to purchase the fighter jet.

Canada should buy F-35s but plan for European fighter jets next, former general says

European jets will provide Canada with a capability that isn’t vulnerable to U.S. influence, retired lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin says

How the Saab 29 ‘Flying Barrel’ Fighter Sent a Big Message to the F-35

Key Points and Summary – Sweden’s latest Gripen export wins are part of a much deeper story: a small country using homegrown fighters to carve out real independence from U.S. airpower. That tradition began with the odd-looking Saab 29 “Flying Barrel,” a stubby early jet that proved unexpectedly fast, agile, and combat-credible. Flygsystem 2020 from Saab. Image Credit: Saab. -Its success showed Sweden could design and mass-produce frontline fight…