The CEO of Saab suggested that if Canada opts for the Gripen-E, the country’s air force could potentially receive the aircraft as swiftly as, or even sooner than, the anticipated F-35. Micael Johansson expressed Saab’s readiness to establish not just an assembly plant in Canada, but a comprehensive manufacturing center and a research and development hub. However, he emphasized that this proposal, involving technology and intellectual property transfers, is contingent upon Canada’s decision to procure the fighter jet, emphasizing the interconnected nature of the two aspects.
Johansson, as part of a strategic initiative that included the Swedish royal family, engaged in a concerted effort to persuade the administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney to collaborate with Sweden on various defense and industrial endeavors, including fighter jets. The Canadian government is currently evaluating the potential acquisition of 88 F-35 fighters from Lockheed Martin, with the option of initially accepting a batch of 16 stealth jets before considering supplementing the order with Saab Gripens or alternative aircraft.
According to documents presented in Parliament, the first Canadian F-35s are slated to arrive at a U.S. air force base late next year for training, with the first U.S.-made jets reaching Canadian bases by 2028. Johansson indicated that Canada could potentially receive its first Gripens around the same timeframe. He mentioned the possibility of commencing deliveries to Canada within three years if a dual selection is made, with the potential for the first Canadian-manufactured Gripens to be produced within three to five years, generating an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 jobs in the country during the establishment phase.
The establishment of an assembly facility in Brazil following that country’s Gripen purchase was referenced as a potential model for the Canadian situation, with promises of substantial job creation. Johansson highlighted the progress in Brazil’s fighter jet line, emphasizing the ongoing assembly of the first jet. The prospect of Saab setting up Gripens assembly in Canada has raised interest, particularly considering the potential benefits for Montreal-based Bombardier, a company already collaborating with Saab on other projects.
Sweden’s defense minister raised the possibility of Gripen assembly in Canada not being dependent on an actual order, citing Sweden’s defense capacity constraints. Nevertheless, Johansson stressed the importance of a firm order from Canada to justify the establishment of a facility and technology transfer.