If Canada picks the Gripen fighter, these local firms would help Saab deliver the jets

VICTORIA, British Columbia — Saab will collaborate with several of Canada’s top aerospace firms to build the Gripen fighter jet in Canada if the aircraft is selected by the Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government.

Saab confirmed Oct. 27 that it has formed alliances with several firms to build, deliver and support the Gripen E advanced multi-role fighter, should the Canadian government purchase the plane.

Canada had already committed to buying 88 Lockheed Martin F-35s but that is under review after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to economically cripple the country and suggested it could be annexed to be the 51st state. At this point Canada has paid for 16 F-35s.

Two of the aircraft were transferred to Canada on Oct. 9 and Oct. 22, said Department of National Defence spokeswoman Andrée-Anne Poulin.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney will decide whether the rest of the F-35s will be purchased but he has not indicated when he would announce his decision.

In the meantime, the Canadian government is examining whether it should purchase the Gripen E, either as an alternative to the F-35 or to complement the U.S. fighter jets. Saab has responded by forming a teaming arrangement with Canadian firms CAE of Montreal, Quebec; IMP of Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Magellan Aerospace of Mississauga, Ontario.

“Together with CAE, IMP and Magellan Aerospace we are prepared to establish a strong Canadian industrial ecosystem around Gripen that delivers operational effect, national sovereignty and lasting industrial and technological benefits,” Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said in a statement Oct. 27.

Saab noted it has signed a teaming agreement with IMP to establish a new final assembly line, for the Gripen fighter in Canada, if Canada decides to acquire the aircraft. IMP will also be responsible for electrical assembly production and in-service support for Canada’s Gripens.

Saab has also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with Magellan Aerospace to provide local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures and structural assemblies in Canada — again, if Canada decides to acquire the aircraft.

Saab has previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CAE to deliver advanced fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering and support/sustainment capabilities in Canada.

Saab has already made significant inroads into the Canadian market.

Carney announced May 27 that Canada will purchase six GlobalEye early warning and control aircraft from Saab as part of deal to not only boost Canadian military capabilities but energize domestic defense production.

Carney said the proposed GlobalEye purchase is estimated to cost more than $5 billion CAN ($3.6 billion).

GlobalEye is based on a Bombardier 6500 executive jet, an aircraft that is manufactured in Toronto. Carney said that at least one-third of the projected GlobalEye aircraft orders for various allies will be built in Canada. That is expected to be 40 aircraft over the next 15 years.

On Sept. 25 the Canadian government announced it had worked out an agreement with Saab that will provide the framework for upcoming negotiations on the purchase of the six GlobalEyes.

In announcing the agreement, Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, said Canada will be focusing on pursuing a partnership that supports “Canadian jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth while ensuring we acquire capabilities from trusted partners when they are needed.”