F-35 defenders launch counterattack against Swedish fighter jet proposal

[Dr Strangelove]

Advanced Pilot Training: The Gripen F allows for a direct transition from lower-performance trainers to an advanced operational fighter (7:46). By having an instructor in the rear seat, air forces can significantly reduce training time and costs while maintaining the same operational standards as in actual combat (8:27 - 9:15).
Operational Superiority: In complex, high-threat scenarios, the second crew member provides a decisive edge by managing additional domains—such as surface reconnaissance or electronic warfare—while the pilot focuses on the aerial fight (9:38 - 10:48).
Human-Machine Collaboration: The system is designed to thrive in the age of AI. Rather than replacing the human element, the aircraft uses AI to augment human decision-making, allowing for better coordination of manned and unmanned systems (11:20 - 12:41).
Strategic Partnership: The program represents a deep level of collaboration between Sweden and Brazil, symbolized by the official handover of the first Gripen F logbook, marking a commitment to a shared future in air power (15:25 - 17:07).

[al_keda]

The best part of the Gripen is that it doesn't need permission from Atlanta to lift off, and there is no kill switch.

[Dr Strangelove]

And no runway, you could launch this from a parking lot.

[Dr Strangelove]

Expanded Fleet: While the original plan involved 88 jets, sources suggest the government is considering a larger total fleet of over 100—potentially even up to 140 aircraft—by acquiring 72 Gripen jets alongside 72 to 88 F-35s (1:17-2:52).
Industrial Strategy: The shift is driven by a goal to diversify geopolitical alliances and boost domestic industry. Manufacturing Gripen jets in Canada is expected to create up to 9,000 jobs and utilize supply chains established for the recently acquired Global Eye surveillance systems (2:26-2:48, 5:36-5:57).
Strategic Leverage: The decision is being framed as a potential bargaining chip in upcoming negotiations regarding the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), as it shifts significant defense spending away from exclusive reliance on U.S. contractors (3:20-4:18).
Commitment to Growth: The government aims to increase defense spending from the current 2% of GDP to 4% by the end of the decade, signaling a move toward a more robust, independent defense industrial base (7:19-7:40).
While the F-35 purchase is under review following diplomatic tensions, the host notes that the Gripen deal is part of a broader push to localize manufacturing for both domestic needs and potential export to NATO allies (3:20-3:50, 8:35-9:05).

[Dr Strangelove]

Industrial Rivalry: The primary manufacturers, Airbus and Dassault, could not agree on how to divide labor, control, and intellectual property, effectively acting as competitors rather than partners (1:40-2:06).
Conflicting Requirements: French and German military planners struggled to reconcile different technical specifications, such as France's requirement for a carrier-capable, nuclear-capable jet versus Germany's different strategic needs (0:40-0:45).
Strategic Signals: Defense analyst Ulrike Franke highlights that this failure sends a concerning message about Europe's inability to develop independent, sovereign defense capabilities, especially as the United States potentially pivots away from its traditional commitments to European security (3:40-4:00).
Financial and Future Outlook:

Money Lost: While the project faced significant delays and failed to meet its ambitious 2040 operational goal, Franke notes that the financial loss is manageable. Much of the research conducted on the "combat cloud" and drone systems is considered valuable and may continue even if the fighter jet itself is scrapped (2:17-3:20).
Path Forward: Europe still has other ongoing fighter jet initiatives, such as the GCAP program (involving the UK, Italy, and Japan). However, the collapse of the Franco-German initiative highlights a broader, systemic issue: the lack of a cohesive European defense industry and the continued prioritization of national interests over collective security (4:02-6:00).
Broader Context:
With reports suggesting that Russia may build significant military capacity by 2029, the lack of European defense cooperation is viewed as a major vulnerability. The current reliance on NATO and the U.S. remains necessary but precarious, underscoring the urgent need for a more unified, independent European military posture (6:34-8:25).