Gio kaikatsishvili

Caught between Allies and Autonomy: What the F-35 vs Gripen Dilemma means for Canada’s Defence and Security

Canada’s decision to replace its aging CF-18 fleet has taken on new geopolitical weight. Initially committed to procuring 88 F-35s, Ottawa began reconsidering further orders in 2025 amid deteriorating US-Canada relations, turning its attention to Sweden’s Gripen as an alternative. This article evaluates the two programs across four dimensions: homeland defence, alliance interoperability, industrial sovereignty, and combat performance. It finds that while the F-35 offers superior stealth and NATO integration, the Gripen presents compelling advantages in Arctic operability, cost efficiency, and supply chain independence. Ultimately, the right choice depends on whether Canada prioritizes allied commitments or long-term defence autonomy.

Security, Trade and the Economy

The power of Atom, shared: Future of Canada’s extended nuclear deterrence within NATO.

Recent shifts in US defence policy have cast doubt on the reliability of the American nuclear umbrella that Canada and NATO allies have relied on for decades. While European states explore alternative deterrence arrangements through possible nuclear sharing by France and the UK, Canada’s access to these options is limited by its geography. This article argues that Canada can address this vulnerability without compromising its non-proliferation commitments by deepening its role in NORAD. Canada’s strategic importance to North America’s Arctic defence gives Ottawa unique leverage – which it should actively use to reinforce its membership within the American extended nuclear deterrence in face of mounting global security challenges.

Security, Trade and the Economy

The Impossible Wall: Exposing Holes in European Strategy Against a Russian Drone Swarm.

Year 2025 has seen unprecedented cases of Russian incursions into NATO territory, with dozens of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sightings forcing airports to shut down, causing significant delays and financial damage. More so, these incidents reveal the new dimension of the hybrid warfare Moscow is waging against Europe that risks tipping the balance of power on the continent. Responding Read More…