Sweden’s defense minister, Pal Jonson, highlighted Canada’s strong aviation industry and aerospace expertise as conducive to expanding aircraft production, specifically Saab’s Gripen jet fighter, to support Ukraine’s developing air force. The potential partnership was discussed ahead of a meeting with Canadian defense minister David McGuinty. Saab and Montreal-based Bombardier are already engaged in a collaboration involving the GlobalEye early warning surveillance and control aircraft.
Considering Sweden’s limited capacity and labor pool, manufacturing Gripen fighter jets outside of Sweden is being seriously considered. CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson, mentioned Canada as a potential location for expanding Gripen production, especially in light of a possible contract with Ukraine. Saab has primary fighter jet production facilities in Sweden and a final assembly line in Brazil.
This development adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate in Canada about its fighter jet program. Saab has pledged to create up to 10,000 jobs through a potential partnership over the Gripen fighter. The Canadian government, currently reviewing whether to proceed with a full order of 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin, has ordered an initial 16 stealth fighters but is open to considering other options for the rest of the fleet.
Sweden and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent for the potential export of up to 150 Gripen-Es to Ukraine, with a similar agreement with France for Rafale fighters. However, firm contracts have not yet been finalized in either case. Ukraine aims to build a mixed fleet of around 250 fighters, including Gripens, Rafales, and donated F-16s, but challenges remain, particularly related to funding the acquisition amidst financial constraints faced by the Ukrainian government.
Jonson emphasized that the decision to expand Gripen production to Canada is not contingent on Canada’s order of Gripens. Cooperation between Saab and Bombardier on projects like the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft is flourishing, indicating a strong foundation for further collaboration.
