Saab’s CEO hinted that if Canada opts for the Gripen-E aircraft from Sweden, the Royal Canadian Air Force could potentially receive the first planes as quickly as, or even sooner than, the eagerly anticipated American-made F-35. Micael Johansson expressed Saab’s readiness to not only establish an assembly plant but also a comprehensive manufacturing center and a research and development hub in Canada, contingent upon the country’s decision to procure the fighter jets. Johansson emphasized the interconnectedness of the deal with Canada’s fighter jet purchase.
During a strategic corporate, economic, and political push, including the involvement of the Swedish royal family, Saab aimed to persuade Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to collaborate on defense and industrial ventures, notably focusing on fighter jets. While the Liberal government deliberates on proceeding with an order for 88 F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin, there are discussions about potentially acquiring an initial batch of 16 stealth jets and then exploring the rest of the order with Saab Gripens or other alternatives.
According to parliamentary documents, the first Canadian F-35s are expected to arrive at a U.S. air force base by late next year for training, with the first U.S.-made jets not reaching Canadian bases until 2028. Johansson mentioned that Canada could have its initial Gripens around the same period, with the potential for deliveries to commence within three years if a dual selection is made, leading to the manufacture of Canadian Gripens within three to five years, generating approximately 9,000 to 10,000 jobs in the country.
Establishing an assembly plant in Brazil following the country’s Gripen purchase, Saab saw promises of job creation similar to those anticipated in Canada. The Brazilian fighter jet line at Gavião Peixoto currently employs around 200 individuals, with the inaugural jet assembly in progress. Saab’s CEO emphasized a gradual increase in production in Brazil.
The possibility of Saab assembling Gripens in Canada has sparked interest from political parties, although skepticism remains regarding the promised job opportunities. Speculation suggests that Bombardier, based in Montreal, could significantly benefit from Saab’s potential Gripens assembly in Canada, especially given their existing partnership in producing the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.
While Sweden’s defense minister hinted at the potential assembly of Gripen fighters in Canada not necessarily hinging on an order, Saab’s CEO underscored the necessity of a Canadian order to justify establishing a facility and technology transfer. Johansson reiterated the importance of a concrete order from Canada to proceed with such initiatives.