Canada’s advanced aviation industry and aerospace capabilities position it as an excellent location for expanding aircraft production, such as Saab’s Gripen jet fighter, to cater to the needs of Ukraine’s emerging air force, as per Sweden’s defense minister. Pal Jonson made this statement before a meeting with Canada’s defense minister, David McGuinty, amidst discussions on whether Canada will opt for Gripens instead of U.S.-made F-35s for its warplane procurement.
Saab and Montreal-based Bombardier are already deeply engaged in a partnership related to the GlobalEye early warning surveillance and control aircraft. Considering Sweden’s limited capacity and workforce, producing Gripen fighter jets outside of Sweden is a crucial factor to ponder.
During an interview with CBC News, Jonson expressed, “Our own industrial base is quite strained. We’re seeking partnerships to boost production, which could be in Sweden or other locations. I acknowledge your strong avionics industry, and we are keen on collaborating in this area.”
Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, mentioned in financial reports that Canada could be a potential site for expanding Gripen fighter production, particularly in light of a possible contract with Ukraine. Although the primary fighter jet production facilities of the company are in Sweden, they also have a final assembly line in Brazil.
This development adds a different perspective to the ongoing debate about Canada’s fighter jet program, with Saab pledging to create up to 10,000 jobs in Canada through a partnership involving the Gripen.
The Canadian government, led by the Liberal party, is deliberating on whether to proceed with the full order of 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin. While an initial order for 16 stealth fighters has been placed, there is a possibility of considering another aircraft for the remaining fleet.
Jonson emphasized that the decision lies within Canada’s sovereignty. When asked if expanding the Gripen production line to Canada would depend on Canada’s own order of Gripens, Jonson stated, “Not at all.” He highlighted the fruitful collaboration between Saab and Bombardier, particularly in the GlobalEye project, and expressed a desire to further enhance this partnership.
In late October, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that could potentially lead to the export of up to 150 Gripen-Es, the latest version of the fighter, to Ukraine. A similar agreement was reached with France for potential Rafale fighter acquisitions, though firm contracts have not been finalized in either case.
Ukraine aims to establish a mixed fleet of approximately 250 fighters, including Gripens, Rafales, and donated F-16s. However, several challenges such as technical, logistical, and financial barriers need to be addressed, particularly regarding how Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, will finance the fleet.
The Ukrainian government is currently facing financial constraints, and the feasibility of acquiring the jets without external support remains uncertain.