Ottawa's support for Ukraine could have significantly strengthened Canada's own air defences had billions of dollars in aid been directed toward procuring new fighter aircraft.
Recent reports have found that only about 40 per cent of the Royal Canadian Air Force's overall aircraft inventory is serviceable at any given time. Canada currently has about 89 CF-18 Hornets in its fighter fleet.
Canada's total commitment to Ukraine has surpassed $25.5 billion, including military, humanitarian and financial assistance. Based on publicly advertised flyaway prices, that amount could theoretically purchase about 210 Saab Gripen fighter jets, which have been marketed at roughly US$85 million each.
The debate comes as Canada's military continues to face challenges, including recruitment shortages, an aging fighter fleet and pressure from NATO allies to increase defence spending. The federal government has said Canada's defence spending is projected to reach 2.01 per cent of GDP in 2025-26, meeting NATO's benchmark target.
Advocates of increased domestic defence spending argue a larger fleet of modern fighters would strengthen Canada's ability to patrol the Arctic and contribute to continental defence through NORAD.
"Operating continually in the Canadian Arctic and its approaches is vital to strengthening Canada's ability to deter threats and assert our sovereignty," said Gen. Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, in February.
Saab has actively promoted the Gripen to Canada in recent years, highlighting lower operating costs, industrial benefits and the potential for domestic assembly.
Canada's $19-billion purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets remains under government review, though Ottawa has committed funding for the first 16 aircraft.
The federal government has maintained that supporting Ukraine and strengthening Canada's military are both national priorities. Fiscal constraints make it difficult to pursue both objectives simultaneously.
Fighter jet calculations do not account for training, weapons systems, maintenance, infrastructure and other long-term costs that can multiply the overall price of a fighter fleet.
