A recent poll reveals a significant shift in Canadian public opinion favoring the Swedish Saab JAS‑39 Gripen over continuing purchases of the U.S. F‑35A Lightning II to replace the aging CF‑18 fleet. Key drivers include lower costs, higher aircraft availability, and stronger promises of domestic industrial jobs, amid frustration that the F‑35 deal lacked enough benefits for Canadian industry. Ottawa’s fighter program review now pits industrial and sovereignty priorities against alliance interope