Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly spoke to reporters on Tuesday as the government weighs options for its next major fighter jet purchase between American manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the Swedish firm Saab.

Sweden’s deputy prime minister says Saab is prepared to fill any gap in Canada’s capability needs if the federal government decides to deviate from its American Lockheed Martin deal and purchase fighter jets from several companies.

F-35 advocates point out that the aircraft is fully interoperable with U.S. aircraft, a key point for defending North America as well as use in NATO operations. The jet, built by Lockheed Martin, is becoming the primary fighter jet for many NATO nations.

Former high-ranking officers of the Canadian Armed Forces are mounting a defence of the planned acquisition of 88 American F-35 fighter jets, hoping to put an end to the ongoing courtship between the Canadian government and the Swedish firm Saab.

Boeing’s recent contract win for the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter on March 22, 2025, has marked a significant stride towards the advancement of U.S. air superiority. However, the unveiling of China’s 6th-generation fighter jet earlier this year has spurred a sense of urgency among American defense contractors.

The U.S. military typically employs its various fighter jet models for decades, but every so often, the time comes when something needs to be replaced.

Ukraine will purchase “up to 100” French-made Rafale fighter jets as well as anti-air defenses and drones from France, the Elysee Palace confirmed, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Paris Monday.

While some fighter jets introduced in the 1970s are now on their way out, F-16s and F-15s will remain in production beyond 2030.