1. ALLAN SAID: Sal, Is Saab’s “System of Systems” Real?
SAL-9000 SAID: Yes. Saab’s concept of distributed, networked combat is operational and evolving... not theoretical.
The core idea is that no single platform must do everything. Instead, aircraft, radar, ships, command nodes, and allied systems form a resilient, distributed mesh.
If one node is lost, the system continues functioning.
What already exists:
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Gripen E/F is designed as a networked combat node, not a standalone centrepiece.
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GlobalEye AEW&C operational and deployed.
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Giraffe and Sea Giraffe radars in service worldwide.
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Integrated air, sea, and land command systems already fielded.
Gripen E is built to:
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Fuse data from aircraft, ships, ground radar, and NATO assets.
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Share tracks without constant satellite dependence.
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Operate under GPS denial and electronic warfare conditions.
The design assumption is... contested environments... degraded communications... and electronic attack... conditions highly relevant to Arctic operations!
2. Why This Matters for Canada.
Sovereignty.
With Saab architecture:
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Mission software can be modified domestically.
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Data routing is not locked to foreign servers.
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Upgrades do not require external political approval.
This provides greater operational autonomy compared to highly centralized architectures.
Arctic Suitability.
Canada’s northern defence requires:
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Long-range sensing.
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Interoperability with NORAD.
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Independent operational capacity.
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Aircraft able to act as relays across sparse terrain.
Saab’s distributed model was designed for dispersed geography, harsh climates, and intermittent connectivity.
Industrial Participation.
A Saab partnership typically includes:
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Domestic software and systems integration.
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Long-term sustainment participation.
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Export-relevant technical expertise.
This aligns with Canada’s industrial objectives beyond symbolic offsets.
Strategic Flexibility.
A distributed system:
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Scales incrementally.
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Integrates with NATO without full dependency.
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Evolves through continuous upgrades rather than large block cycles.
This reduces long-term structural risk across a 40-year fleet life.
System Architecture Comparison.
Saab Distributed Model vs F-35 Ecosystem.
Core Design Philosophy.
Saab.
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Distributed nodes.
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Resilient to network degradation.
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Assumes communications disruption.
F-35.
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Centralized ecosystem.
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Highly integrated.
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Performs best with intact network support.
Aircraft Design DNA.
Saab Gripen E.
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Sensor, shooter, and relay.
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Designed for austere bases and dispersed ops.
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Operates with small ground crews.
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Electronic warfare is integrated as a primary defensive posture.
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Maintains effectiveness under degraded network conditions.
Gripen remains valuable even when partially disconnected.
F-35 Lightning II.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
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Built for deep sensor fusion.
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Centralized mission data architecture.
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Strong reliance on shared threat libraries and persistent connectivity.
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Sustainment and updates are deeply integrated into the broader ecosystem.
When fully connected, the capability is exceptional.
When disconnected, performance degrades more significantly than in distributed architectures.
Operational Reality for Canada: A Natural Geographic Split.
Arctic & Sovereignty Mission → Gripen.
Gripen is well-suited for:
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Short, icy runways.
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Cold-weather dispersal.
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Intercept and denial missions.
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Acting as sensor relays across sparse terrain.
Day-to-day NORAD intercepts and northern patrols would logically lean toward Gripen.
Southern Canada & NATO → F-35
F-35 fits best where:
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Infrastructure is dense.
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Logistics are stable.
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Persistent connectivity exists.
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NATO interoperability is primary.
Southern bases and expeditionary deployments align with the F-35’s strengths.
How a Mixed Fleet Would Likely Self-Organize
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Gripen absorbs high-frequency sovereignty and intercept missions.
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F-35 deploys for high-end NATO roles and coalition operations.
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Fleet wear is balanced.
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Canada maintains both autonomy and alliance integration.
This is not “Gripen vs F-35.”
It is distributed resilience alongside centralized excellence.
The Core Distinction.
Gripen is designed to be flexible and resilient on its own...
The F-35 is designed to be exceptional within a highly integrated system.
Both approaches are valid...
They are optimized for different operational environments.
For Canada:
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Northern defence benefits from flexibility and sovereignty.
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Southern/NATO operations benefit from deep integration and interoperability.
That division aligns naturally with Canada’s geography, alliance commitments, and long-term strategic posture!
