French aircraft maker Dassault is targeting Canada and Portugal as potential buyers for its Rafale fighter jet, amid rising doubts about U.S. reliability with the F-35 program. Canada is currently planning a $19 billion F-35 acquisition but is also considering alternatives like the Rafale, Gripen, and Eurofighter Typhoon. The Swedish Gripen is viewed favorably for its Arctic suitability. Retired Lt. Gen. Yvan Blondin advocates for a mixed fleet, warning against sole reliance on U.S.-supplied aircraft. He argues that basing Canada’s future air power solely on the F-35 would be a risky bet on shifting U.S. policy.
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