Canada to Service F414 Engines if Gripen Fighters Are Purchased

GE Aerospace and Canada’s Magellan Aerospace have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a Canadian facility for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of F414-GE-39E aircraft engines.

According to the U.S. company, engines of this type power the JAS 39 Gripen E fighter.

The agreement will take effect if the Canadian government decides to procure the aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Under the agreement, GE Aerospace will provide training and certify Magellan as a Canadian center of excellence for engine maintenance. Repair and maintenance works are planned to be carried out at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga.

The F414 has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours and is in service with eight countries, which have already received more than 1,600 engines.

Swedish defense company Saab has offered Canada 72 JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters as an alternative to the States’ F-35A Lightning II.

The potential deal could also include six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.