Saab names Canadian partners to build Gripen jets if Ottawa buys

Swedish defence company Saab says it would build Gripen E fighter jets in Canada with three Canadian aerospace firms if Ottawa decides to buy the aircraft, while Bombardier has signed its own deal with Britain’s BAE Systems on future combat aircraft.

Saab named CAE, IMP Aerospace & Defence and Magellan Aerospace as its principal Canadian partners in a news release on Oct. 27. The company said that, if selected, it and its partners would set up production, final assembly, in-service support, training and long-term sustainment of the jets in Canada.

“Canada’s fighter capability is a long-term national investment,” said Micael Johansson, Saab’s president and chief executive. “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.”

Who would do what

Under a new teaming agreement, IMP would establish a final assembly line for the Gripen in Canada and handle electrical assembly production and in-service support for Canada’s jets, Saab said.

“While that capability would be established to meet Canada’s requirements, its potential reaches well beyond Canada,” said David Gossen, president of IMP Aerospace & Defence. “We see a real opportunity for IMP to produce and support aircraft for Gripen customers internationally.”

Magellan Aerospace signed a new memorandum of understanding to manufacture advanced aerostructures, composite structures and structural assemblies in Canada. Haydn Martin, Magellan’s vice-president of business development, said the company would support “the creation of high-tech jobs and sovereign defence capability right here in Canada.”

CAE had already signed a memorandum with Saab to provide fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering and support in Canada. “Should the Government of Canada select the Gripen, CAE is prepared to work with Saab to support Canada’s future fighter force,” said Pascal Grenier, president of CAE Defense & Security.

All three agreements take effect only if Canada decides to acquire the Gripen, according to Saab’s release. The company said it is also in talks with a broader range of Canadian companies, universities and research groups.

Bombardier and BAE Systems

A day later, Montreal-based Bombardier announced a strategic memorandum of understanding with BAE Systems to “explore opportunities to develop complementary industrial and technology capabilities that may support future combat air programs,” according to Bombardier’s Oct. 28 release.

The companies said they will look for areas of co-operation in research and development, systems integration, workforce and supply chain development, industrialization and in-service lifecycle management. The release did not name a specific aircraft program.

“We are well positioned to bring together and develop the talent and expertise needed for programs that can carry a generational impact on the worldwide defence industry,” said Stephen McCullough, Bombardier’s executive vice-president of engineering, product development and Bombardier Defense.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Bombardier to help deliver the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy,” said Simon Barnes, group managing director of BAE Systems Air.

BAE Systems is the United Kingdom’s industrial lead on the Global Combat Air Programme, a sixth-generation fighter being developed with Italy and Japan. Canada joined the program as an observer on July 21, according to a joint statement from the four countries’ defence ministers. The statement said observer status gives Canada “enhanced insight” into the program’s governance, capabilities and industrial framework.

F-35s already arriving

The announcements come as the first F-35s for Canada are being delivered. The Royal Canadian Air Force said on X on Oct. 23 that it had received its first two CF-35A jets the day before at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Ottawa has not announced whether it will buy any Gripens.