CANADALAND To Fight Off America We Need Swedish Jets
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Dec 19, 2025 Rahim Mohamed, a National Post columnist and expert on Canadian politics and defense, dives into the weighty decision Canada faces between the F-35 and Saab's Gripen E. He highlights how this choice represents a crucial test of Canada's independence from American influence. The discussion also touches on Sweden's diplomatic efforts, military interoperability with the U.S., and the implications of defense spending on national sovereignty. Moreover, they critically assess the media's ability to cover these complex defense issues and laughably critique a costly chatbot that frequently delivers incorrect information.
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Fighter Choice Signals Geopolitical Alignment
- Canada's fighter-jet choice will signal whether it stays tightly aligned with U.S. military interoperability or pivots toward independent partnerships.
- Rahim Mohamed argues the Gripen choice could mark a strategic decoupling from American-led defense structures.
Diplomacy Shapes Procurement Politics
- Sweden mounted a strong diplomatic charm offensive to promote the Gripen, contrasting with U.S. bullying from Trump-era figures.
- Rahim Mohamed says that diplomatic tone makes it politically easier to root for the Swedish option.
Nordic Ties Fit Arctic Security Needs
- Canada's Arctic vulnerability and rising Russian assertiveness make Nordic partnerships strategically logical.
- Rahim Mohamed suggests Sweden, Finland and the Baltics form a credible regional defense grouping with Canada.