Your World Tonight Fighter jets, Epstein vote, MBS goes to Washington, and more
Nov 18, 2025
This discussion features Marie Brewster, a Senior Defence Correspondent for CBC News, who dives into the potential deal for Sweden's Gripen fighter jets and the job implications for Canada. Paul Hunter, a Washington correspondent, sheds light on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s controversial visit to the U.S. Katie Simpson covers the intense political fallout from a congressional vote to release Jeffrey Epstein's files. Julia Wong notes how changing Canadian travel habits are impacting Florida's tourism economy.
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Sweden Offers Jobs To Influence Jet Buy
- Sweden's Saab is pitching to build Gripen jets in Canada, offering about 10,000 jobs as leverage in procurement talks.
- The proposal could force Canada to reconsider its F-35 deal and weigh lifecycle costs of a mixed fleet.
Lifecycle Costs Shape Fleet Choices
- Lifecycle sustainment drives up to 70% of total aircraft costs, making fleet composition strategically vital.
- Former defence officials argue a mixed fleet could deliver significant long-term savings.
Politics Trumps Accountability On Saudi Visit
- Donald Trump publicly defended Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman despite U.S. intelligence findings about Jamal Khashoggi's murder.
- The visit prioritized large economic deals including pledges of up to $1 trillion and potential F-35 sales.