Politics · Canada · 3 hrs ago
Retired general says Canada lacks staff for two fighter fleets
Canada is considering buying two types of fighter jets for its air force.
Its planned purchase is of U.S.-made F-35s.
The government is weighing whether to add Swedish-made Gripen fighters to that plan.
Retired lieutenant general Alain Pelletier says running two fighter fleets would strain the air force.
He says it would need enough pilots, technicians and trainers to support both programs.
The government is still considering the Gripen option, and no decision is described.
Retired lieutenant general Alain Pelletier says Canada’s air force lacks enough personnel to operate two fighter programs.
He says a combined fleet of F-35s and Gripen-E fighters would stretch the Royal Canadian Air Force’s pilots, technicians and trainers.
The Carney government is considering adding Swedish-made Gripen fighters to its planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35s.
Pelletier served as deputy commander of NORAD from July 2020 until June 2023.
- Who
- Retired Royal Canadian Air Force lieutenant general Alain Pelletier.
- What
- He says the air force would be stretched thin if it had to operate F-35 and Gripen-E fighter fleets.
- When
- The National Post article was published on October 13, 2026. Pelletier made his comments recently, according to the article.
- Where
- Canada.
- Why
- A second fighter fleet would require pilots, technicians and trainers that Pelletier says the air force does not have in sufficient numbers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pelletier served as deputy commander of NORAD in Colorado Springs.
The National Post published Pelletier’s assessment as the government considered adding Gripen fighters to its planned F-35 purchase.
- Retired officer
- Alain Pelletier
- Fighter aircraft under consideration
- U.S.-made F-35s and Swedish-made Gripen-E fighters
- NORAD role
- Deputy commander from July 2020 until June 2023
- Personnel concerns
- Pilots, technicians and trainers
What people are saying
Having two fleets of fighters is a challenge for any air force
Sources
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