American spin always drives the Gripen-vs-F-35 debate
By Lethbridge Herald on December 31, 2025.
Editor,
Politics and the ability to spin information in the direction you want is an art. That art has been perfected by a the few that most would consider “key” in any and all fields. Take the Saab JAS 39 Gripen vs Lokheed Martin F-35 spin as an example.
Why the comparison? That’s the first question you should ask yourself. Do we see ourselves in a dog fight with the US? If so, then should we not also consider the nuclear bombs the US has and we don’t? So why the comparison? Misdirection, confusion, spin, and who gets the money, that’s all this is.
Has anyone seen any articles comparing the Gripen to a Russian MIG, or for that matter ANY jet aircraft from an enemy country? I haven’t. I have read a lot of articles and its always F-35 vs Gripen. Which is, spin!
In a fight, no matter who the enemy, there are two states of warfare, dead and alive. Can the Gripen get that done? The only time the present conversation even matters is if we are fighting the US, in which case we really should consider the “other stuff” the US has to whack us with.
The F-35 isn’t going to be the thing that does us in; it’s all that other nasty stuff they have, cruise missiles, nuclear bombs, etc., etc., wouldn’t you agree?
For the retired military pilots out there cursing me under their breath because of this letter: am I saying we should send our boys into conflict in an inferior aircraft? I have questions.
Has anyone talked to Gripen pilots? Do they think they are flying bait and their existence is to provide a kill to others? Do they expect to be in a fight with an F-35 or do you think there are evaluations out there suggesting the Gripen is better than, or as good as, the actual enemy aircraft?
Where are those evaluations? Do Gripen pilots lie awake at night haunted by the thought an ally may turn on us? Do Gripen pilots consider themselves “Dead people walking”? As a Gripen pilot, must you have terminal cancer to meet the pre-requisites?
Let’s get the right answers to the right questions and then an intelligent discussion can be had. Until then we get American manufactured spin.
Dennis Bremner
Lethbridge
13-12
It’s good to ask questions especially since the F-35 isn’t even ready for the equipment that we need add to that it’s 50% mission capable rate it’s got me wondering.
kind of concerning is how the usa, when they pretended very well to be the saviour of the planet – while never, ever, bringing about a real democracy anywhere, and while propping up the planet’s worst thugs anywhere there is wealth to be stolen, and while watching their own “democracy” crumble – got to stockpile all the most powerful weapons, and the rest of us accepted pathetic dependency.
to buy anything in the way of military and security from the usa is utter stupidity at this juncture.