U.S. could hold a 'red card' over Canada's Gripen fighter jet option

2026-03-04 - 09:03

As Ottawa reviews its F-35 purchase, there's concern Washington holds a powerful lever — control of the secure Link 16 network used for NATO and NORAD operations. Swedish Gripens and Danish F-35s operate together in NATO missions, but U.S. approval is required for the encryption system — raising concerns it could be withheld if Canada chooses the Gripen.