Here's one Canadian solution that will help things along!!!

I was curious to see if anybody would take my suggestion to only buy the first batch of F-35s from the States... ["That we already paid for!"]  ...then we could look around for something that was better [And cheaper] for Canada!

So, I asked the Perspective Research Department's A.I. SAL-9000: (HAL-9000's Twin... Along with CAL-9000!)

Sal: Which is better for Canada... Gripen E-series jets, the Dassault Rafale, or the Eurofighter Typhoon?

SAL said:

Certainly, Allan. Here's a comprehensive three-way comparison of the Saab Gripen E, Dassault Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon, specifically tailored to Canada's defense, financial, industrial, and political needs in 2025. I’ve broken this down by major factors that Canada must consider when selecting a fighter platform.

---

🇨🇦 Canada's Needs Summary

Before diving in, let’s remind ourselves of Canada's unique defense profile:

• NORAD obligations require long-range patrol and interoperability with the U.S.

• NATO commitments require multirole flexibility and combat-readiness.

• Sovereignty enforcement over vast Arctic and maritime zones.

• Budget sensitivity and industrial offsets (jobs, tech transfer).

• Desire to reduce U.S. dependency under current trade/political strains.

---

✈️ Overview of the Jets

Jet	Origin		Cost	Multirole?	NATO-Interoperable?
Saab Gripen E	Sweden		$85–95M CAD	Yes	Fully NATO-capable
Dassault Rafale F4	France		$100–120M CAD	Yes	Yes
Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 4/5	Germany/UK/Italy/Spain		$130–150M CAD	Yes	Yes

---

🔧 1. Operational Capabilities

Category	Gripen E	Rafale F4	Eurofighter Typhoon T4/5
Range (combat)	~1,500 km	~1,800 km	~1,390 km
Max Speed	Mach 2	Mach 1.8	Mach 2
Payload	7.2 tons	9.5 tons	9.0 tons
Radar	AESA (Raven ES-05) + IRST	AESA (RBE2-AA) + IRST	AESA (Captor-E) + IRST
Stealth / RCS	Low RCS, small frame	Moderate stealth	Larger RCS, no stealth shaping
Suitability for Arctic Ops	Excellent	Good	Moderate (cold weather upgrades exist but limited field use)

➡️ Verdict: Gripen E is ideal for cold-weather, dispersed operations. Rafale leads in payload and versatility. Typhoon is the fastest but was originally designed for air dominance, not strike flexibility (improved since Tranche 3/4).

---

🛠️ 2. Industrial Benefits to Canada

Category	Gripen E	Rafale	Eurofighter
Tech Transfer	High – Sweden offers full IP transfer	Medium – France offers partial transfer	Low – Euro consortium unlikely to share deep tech
Domestic Assembly	Possible (Brazil & Czech deals had local assembly)	Limited – Dassault resists foreign assembly	Unlikely – complex supply chain across Europe
Canadian Jobs Potential	High – Saab committed to local production	Medium – Dassault offers offsets	Low – Mostly European jobs
Export Collaboration	Yes (Saab promotes joint export deals)	Possible, but France retains control	No – tight European export control

➡️ Verdict: Gripen E is the best option if Canada wants domestic production and long-term tech independence. The Rafale is decent but more centralized. Eurofighter is European-centric and less flexible industrially.

---

💰 3. Cost and Logistics

Category	Gripen E	Rafale	Typhoon
Acquisition Cost (fleet of 88)	~$8–9B CAD	~$10–11B CAD	~$12–13B CAD
Operating Cost/hr	~$7,500 CAD	~$17,000 CAD	~$20,000+ CAD
Maintenance Footprint	Low (single engine, modular design)	Medium (twin-engine, complex avionics)	High (expensive parts, complex logistics)
Lifecycle Cost (30 years)	Lowest	Mid	Highest

➡️ Verdict: Gripen E wins on affordability and ease of maintenance. Rafale is acceptable but costly. Typhoon is expensive both upfront and over time.

---

🌐 4. Geopolitical and Strategic Fit

Factor	Gripen E	Rafale	Typhoon
U.S. Independence	High	High	Medium (UK is a U.S. ally)
Five Eyes Compatibility	Medium – improving	Medium – independent systems	High – UK is Five Eyes
NATO Interoperability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Export Freedom	High – Sweden rarely restricts buyers	High – France acts independently	Medium – EU consortium restrictions
Diplomatic Leverage	Moderate	High (France is assertive)	Complicated (multi-country consortium)

➡️ Verdict: Rafale and Gripen give Canada independent leverage. Typhoon is too politically entangled for a truly sovereign Canadian procurement.

---

🧩 5. Integration and Future-Proofing

Factor	Gripen E	Rafale F4	Typhoon T4/T5
Open Architecture	Yes – easy to integrate 3rd party systems	Somewhat open	Closed – heavily Euro-standardized
AI/Autonomy Features	Yes (future-proofed for drone teaming)	Yes (F5 roadmap)	Improving with Project Centurion, but slower
Sensor Fusion	Very good	Excellent	Good
NATO Data Link / Interop	Full	Full	Full
Upgrades Timeline	Rapid (Saab has agile dev cycles)	On track for F5	Slow – needs consortium approval

➡️ Verdict: Gripen offers flexibility and agility. Rafale is well-integrated but slower to adapt. Typhoon suffers from bureaucratic inertia.

---

🏁 Final Summary and Recommendation for Canada

Criteria	Best Choice
Cost	Gripen E
Industrial Benefits	Gripen E
Multirole Combat Performance	Rafale
Range and Payload	Rafale
Sovereignty / Arctic Ops	Gripen E
Future Growth / Modularity	Gripen E
Political Independence	Tie: Gripen / Rafale
Ease of Integration into NORAD/NATO	Rafale / Typhoon

---

🏆 RECOMMENDED RANKING:

1. 🇸🇪 Saab Gripen E – Best for sovereignty, cost-efficiency, cold-weather readiness, and local industrial impact. A pragmatic choice for an independent and cost-sensitive Canada.

2. 🇫🇷 Dassault Rafale F4 – Excellent multirole capabilities and combat range, but costlier with fewer industrial concessions. Strong option if performance trumps price.

3. 🇪🇺 Eurofighter Typhoon – Advanced but expensive and politically complicated. Less suitable for Canada's independent defense and industrial goals.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2025

Government Defence Review Recommends Saab Gripen E as Canada’s Next-Generation Fighter Jet

Ottawa, ON — Following a comprehensive defence capability review, Canada is poised to recommend the Saab Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft as the most strategic and cost-effective solution to replace the country’s aging fleet of CF-18 Hornets.

The review, conducted by independent defence analysts and experts in Arctic security, NORAD interoperability, and industrial policy, evaluated two leading contenders: the Saab Gripen E (Sweden) and the Dassault Rafale (France). 

The Gripen E emerged as the top recommendation for Canada’s evolving defence priorities!

“This aircraft is a perfect match for Canada’s operational environment, fiscal framework, and industrial ambitions,” the report states. “The Gripen E will strengthen our Arctic sovereignty, enhance NORAD integration, and bring high-value aerospace jobs back to Canadian soil.”

Key Highlights of the Recommendation:

Arctic-Ready: Designed for extreme weather, the Gripen E offers unmatched performance in northern environments—critical for Canadian sovereignty operations.

Interoperability: Fully compatible with NATO and NORAD systems, ensuring seamless collaboration with allies, especially the United States.

Economic Benefits: Saab has offered extensive technology transfer and the potential for domestic assembly, fueling Canada’s defense manufacturing sector.

Cost Efficiency: With one of the lowest operating costs among Western fighters (~$7,000/hour), the Gripen E allows Canada to sustain a full fighter fleet without burdening future defense budgets.

Strategic Shift Toward Sovereignty and Sustainability.

This recommendation marks a strategic shift away from reliance on expensive, high-maintenance platforms and toward agile, affordable, and sovereign defence capabilities. 

In a time of increasing global instability and Arctic competition, the Gripen E offers Canada independence, security, and control over its skies. “Canada must be prepared for tomorrow’s threats, not yesterday’s battles,” said one defense analyst close to the review. “The Gripen is the smart fighter for a smarter defence policy.”

Next Steps:

The final decision on procurement remains with the federal cabinet, which is expected to deliberate in the coming weeks. 

If approved, Canada could move quickly toward formal negotiations with Saab, potentially establishing Canadian assembly lines and long-term support infrastructure.

For media inquiries, interviews, or a full copy of the recommendation report, contact:

Media Relations – Department of National Defence

📞 1-800-DEFENCE

✉️ media@forces.gc.ca

🌐 www.canada.ca/defence

Hey Canadians, if you want to unite your small, poor country with ours, we look upon it positively! ...Uncle Sam!

 WELL!!!!  We took a survey here at the "Perspective Research Department:

***

Of course, Americans look upon a Canada/U.S. merger positively because the U.S. is a country in decline. Already a second-world country and sliding, the U.S. would gain substantially while Canada, one of the leading countries of the world, would lose big time.

Thanks for thinking of us though. It's rather incredible since most of the time you Americans don't have a clue about what or where Canada is.

Oh, in case you come up with the idea of the U.S. becoming part of Canada, still not even interested in the slightest.

***

I think I'm ashamed for wasting my time with you. You haven't the slightest idea of what would be involved in merging 2 G7 countries. One of which has 2 languages and is physically bigger than the US. Furthermore, Canadians definitely do not want a merger, why would we? So now you're talking armed aggression against a non-threatening neighbour. Some Christian. You can say “sieg heil” now.

***

Canadians have NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to join a third world shit hole especially when the “president “ of the third world shithole is rapist, insurrectionist, liar, grifter, fraud, pedophile, career criminal, convicted felon, needle-dick trump!!

***

Why Canada, a first world country, should want to join the third world shitshow that's the US of A, Bubba? As for small, instead of posting inane crap on Quora, invest in a fucking world map!

***

Canada has a health service free at the point of use, no medical bankruptcy, no abortion laws which kill women with ectopic pregnancies, doesn't have school shootings, is massively less racist, doesn't have the death penalty, has fewer homeless, doesn't have a drugs epidemic and many other things of a positive nature not found in the US.

***

Standard of living is higher in Canada. Our health care is better. Life expectancy is greater. Average Grade 11 student in the USA would be sent back to Gr. 9 in Canada. So should I keep going.

***

The US is like a person wearing the best clothes, living in the biggest house, driving the nicest car and appearing to be wealthy but are so heavily in debt that they pay their debts by robbing Peter to pay Paul every month but one wrong move they would go bankrupt in a flash.

Canada's biggest problem(s) and cause of its debt is offering too many social programs to people in supposed need instead of setting up a system to encourage work. Canada's system of consulting and getting consent from various groups, more specifically the Indigenous communities, to expand their national resources access has also held back the nation from more global investments; the Keystone XL is just one small example of the country being held back and, therefore, the people in the country.
The U.S., however, is now a very unstable country politically for any other country or investor to look at for investments. For 4 years, corporations, etc, can do this, then for the next 4 years, they can’t. For 4 years, there were no tariffs, and then the next, there were large tariffs. In and out of global agreements. The only thing the U.S. has is a bully pulpit with military threats, which is why the U.S. globally is one of the most hated countries in the world and, in conjunction, the American people.

***

I think that you’re an idiot - or at least spouting idiocy. There’s the small matter of the inhabitants of Canada and Greenland not having the slightest desire to join the USA. Why would the Canadians want to lower their standard of living to ours? And why would the Greenlanders want to leave a culture with which they are very familiar for one that’s completely alien, only to see their natural resources plundered and their nation polluted in pursuit of the almighty dollar?

You are under the delusion that being an American is a great privilege. It’s not. There are countries that are freer, more prosperous, happier and with a better overall quality of life than what we have here. We had that once, and we blew it. You can give much of the “credit” to Mr. Reagan, Mr. Gingrich, Mr. Bush 43 and Mr. Trump.

***

What do I think? I think you are one of the many low-information Magats who voted to overturn your own democratic political system and install a dictator.

I think you have had little to no education. I think you do not realize that Canada is internationally regarded as a first-rate country while the U.S. has degraded into a second-rate country. Look at the International polls on health care, longevity, education, gun safety, and happiness- Canada outscores you on every single one!

As for calling us poor, there is far more poverty in the U.S. than here in Canada because we look after our fellow citizens. We have universal health care, gun controls that keep everyone safe- especially our school kids, and a broad social network for those who are unable to work, who lose their jobs or fall on hard times for other reasons. And better hockey.

***

We are not as populated but not small.

We are not as economically powerful, but by no means poor.

Of course you look on that as a positive idea. You are covetous, greedy and need many of the things we have.

It is not an opportunity for us, it would be of greater benefit to the US.

You know what we think and if not, you are more dim witted that we thought. But so we are clear like the hundreds of other answers here on Quora alone…

So no uniting, no joining, converting, blending, annexing, NO! Give it a rest. Give it a frigging rest.

You will have to invalid and conquer… you know murder women, children, elderly and soldiers and destroy homes, infrastructure etc. Yup, like Trumps friend Putin. Like all warmongering murderous wealth seeking, power hungry dictators and their sheep followers. The way this keeps coming up is how wars and invasions happen. Not funny, not a joke, not a negotiation tactic… It is a threat and the precursor to open aggression. The trade tariffs are the next step in the process so we know you are untrustworthy and underhanded.

We don't want to be American… that’s your jam. We have enough issues of our own to resolve without taking on more baggage. Clean up your house before you invite people over cause with the state you’re in, you aren’t ready for guests, and it will take more than just a shot of air freshener.

We are not your little brother or sister to the north. We are not your cousins. You have ended the friendship. You have decided we are no longer your allies. You have declared our trading relationship is over.

We ignored the warnings last time. Now you have our attention, and we are very focused, and we indeed know how we feel about your “suggestion.”

***

Let’s think about this for a second. No universal health care. Active shooter drills in grade schools. Women do not have a right to decide on their own health care. A criminal can get elected as Head of State. A corrupt Supreme Court. A thirty-six trillion national debt. I think we will give a hard NO to that offer. Have a nice day.

***

Arrogance is not an inviting quality. We are not a poor country. In fact we are a rich country in resources or your orange hot air buffoon that you call a President would not be trying to take our country. We have hydro and water as well as minerals, and we have a huge immigrant population, which gives us more skilled labour and a huge amount of diverse cultures that are much richer than the USA and your Hollywood culture.

You will NEVER reign over Canadians without a WAR!!!

***

NOW... After all the huffing and puffing somewhat... We here at "Allan's Canadian Perspective" have come up with TWO possible solutions to this mess!

1.

2.

TA - DAH!

When Americans criticize the Canadian healthcare system.

 Allan

When Americans criticize the Canadian healthcare system I just smile and try to explain that most of what they have been told about our healthcare is lies. 

We can and do go to the doctor we choose and we can see as many doctors as we like for the same ailment.

 We have no deductibles on anything when we see a doctor or go into a hospital.

 Everything is covered . There are no extra hidden charges.

 There are sometimes waits for non life threatening services, but never for serious cases requiring immediate attention.

 No one and I mean absolutely no one ever worries about getting into debt because of healthcare cost because there is no cost. It is covered by the taxes we pay.

 Our taxes in Canada are lower than American taxes if you are working class or middle class. However rich people pay more tax in Canada than rich people pay in the US.

 The Canadian system is not run for profit. Doctors are generally very honest and are greatly trusted and respected.

 I have never heard a case where surgery has resulted in a botched job or a doctor has recommended unneeded surgery or tests.

Doctors in Canada do not own test labs and diagnostic machines so they don’t profit from them and they don’t prescribe them to make money.

 Doctors in Canada make a salary from the government about 180 thousand to 200 thousand a year. They don’t have a massive debt to pay back for medical school.

 Universities are affordable for most people but are higher than they used to be. I winter in Florida for 6 months a year and I hear about the high cost of medical insurance about $1600 a month for a family of 4.

 Then an additional copay of around $300to $400 a month. There are also deductibles up to a certain amount before you get the benefit of your healthcare.

 My neighbor has a $3000 deductible which means every time she visits her doctor she has to pay money until her deductible is met.

This means that many people avoid seeing a doctor even when they are sick because it costs them more money and sometimes they die because serious problems go undetected until it is too late.

I constantly hear complaints from neighbors that their doctor sends them for tests like MRI’s every month.]

I have heard many stories about botched surgeries requiring followup surgery.

 But most of all I see the constant worry that healthcare costs cause for Floridians especially as they get older.

So getting back to the original question “ What do Canadians think when Americans criticize the Canadian healthcare system?

 We think we are damn lucky!

Carol King

 Retired Teacher.

NOW: Here is why the cons to universal health care are wrong!

- Pay for others health care because you could be one of the "others" at any time. It's the same as insurance!

- That's a stupid answer... people don't need incentives... they either are..., or they aren't!

- Wait time are longer for non emergency universal health care... but they more than make up for it with lower personal financial costs!

The present system used in the U.S. is only good if you're rich!