Is the United States worried about Canada building Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in Canada? Sort of. This article will explain why the Gripen is no competitor to the F-35A and why the US doesn’t really care if Canada acquires the Gripen so long as it’s in addition to the F-35A. It will also explain why the US cares if Canada significantly reduces its planned purchase of 88 F-35A fighter jets.