The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 12, edition that proponents of Lockheed Martin's F-35 prioritize seamless interoperability with the U.S. The Globe's guest columnist Peter Jones writes that the concept of a mixed fleet is gaining traction, combining Sweden's Gripen and F-35 aircraft. Canada is already committed to at least 16 F-35s and has invested in components for 14 more. However, F-35 advocates oppose the mixed fleet, preferring an all-F-35 plan of 88 aircraft. Although U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra suggested that all 88 F-35s are essential for North America's defence, this claim seems unlikely. Mr. Jones says the Gripen can support Canada's NATO commitment by integrating with Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland, which are training together to establish a seamless Nordic air defence as NATO allies. Denmark, Finland and Norway have all selected the F-35, whereas Sweden, of course, operates the Gripen. If you take all four air forces together, you have, in effect, a de facto mixed fleet. If intelligently deployed, a mixed fleet can be a force multiplier. It would provide more options and more independence than total reliance on the F-35, and greater industrial benefits.