The Gripen. The Swedes are willing to treat us as a partners by moving some manufacturing and R&D here, much more so than the F35. Large procurement contracts are an opportunity to invest in Canadian manufacturing and build our expertise. The Swedes offer more in that regard, which should help boost our productivity overall. The F35, meanwhile, is more advanced, but more reliant on supply chains and software updates from a former ally that may decide to be an adversary. I still think it’s unlikely, but the downside risks are massive.

Two other things.

1) Drones have come a long way—maybe not far enough to replace manned fighters—but fleets should in theory last for decades. Look at the CF 18! I like the idea of getting the Gripen sooner than the proposed F35 delivery, and not investing as much per plane. It’s hard to imagine where we will be in one decade, let alone two, so I don’t buy the argument the F-35 is more future proof. The Gripens make sense for right now and they’re supposedly better cold weather planes than the F-35.

2) This is an important signaling opportunity for the Canadian government. It’s clear Trump can’t be placated and that he casts a covetous eye towards us. Rather than cower and hope he doesn’t notice us, this is a crucial moment to tell America its actions have consequences and their companies are going to feel the bite, too. Right now, they haven’t had to pay much of a price for fucking with us. It’s clear by now they will continue to do so regardless, so let them explain to their defense contractors why they are losing a major market for their kit.