Saab Eyes Gripen Jet Production in Canada, Promises 10,000 Jobs
Big news is emerging from the aerospace world that could reshape Canada’s defence and manufacturing landscape. Saab, the Swedish aerospace giant, has confirmed it is in talks with the Canadian government and Bombardier to potentially build its Gripen fighter jets right here in Canada. This move, if it comes to fruition, could create up to 10,000 jobs and establish a cutting-edge research network for future aircraft and drone development.
Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, explained in a recent interview that this is about much more than just selling planes. “If Canada wants to create sovereign capabilities, not only buying planes, we are prepared to do that tech transfer for Canada,” he said. In other words, Canada could gain not just advanced fighter jets, but the expertise and infrastructure to build and maintain them domestically. This could mean new research and development centres, training facilities, and a high-tech supply chain stretching across the country.
Also Read:- Shabana Mahmood Set to Unveil Sweeping UK Immigration Reforms
- Ex-Rabbitohs Exec Faces Legal Battle with Eminem Over Swim Shady
The discussions are scheduled to continue during the royal visit of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia to Canada later this month. Saab executives, along with Sweden’s Defence Minister and Industry Minister, are expected to meet with Canadian officials, including Defence Minister David McGuinty and Bombardier CEO Éric Martel. The talks focus on collaboration, as Saab, being a smaller country, cannot produce the Gripens in large quantities alone.
Saab envisions that production in Canada would cover not only domestic needs but also potential international sales. The company recently signed a letter of intent with Ukraine for 100 to 150 Gripen E-series jets, the most advanced version of the aircraft. Johansson emphasized that Canada could realistically produce Gripens for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and Ukraine, combining economic benefits with strategic partnerships.
While Canada has already placed orders for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighters, only a fraction of that order has been paid for, leaving room for Saab’s Gripens to complement the fleet. The plan could see Canada operating a dual fleet, similar to other NATO countries, balancing advanced stealth aircraft with the more cost-effective Gripens. This approach would involve additional training and maintenance but could also kick-start a domestic defence aerospace industry.
Bombardier’s factories in Montreal and Toronto are being considered for production, though new facilities may need to be built to accommodate the Gripen. Ontario is already lobbying to secure as much of the production work as possible, even considering incentives to attract the project. Saab also has existing partnerships with Canadian aerospace firms like CAE in Quebec and IMP Group in Halifax, which could play roles in the assembly, simulation, and maintenance of the jets.
In short, Saab’s potential move to Canada isn’t just about planes—it’s about creating high-skilled jobs, expanding research capabilities, and positioning Canada as a player in advanced aerospace technology. If successful, it could mark one of the most significant developments in Canada’s defence and manufacturing sectors in decades.
Read More:
0 Comments