From F-35 to Gripen: Canada and Portugal Consider Swedish Fighter Aircraft for Their Air Forces

Canada and Portugal are considering the Swedish Gripen fighter aircraft as a potential platform for their air forces instead of the American F-35.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated this.

According to him, the company is currently preparing proposals for these countries, as negotiations are progressing quite successfully, which could lay the groundwork for a future sale of Gripen fighter aircraft.

“We are in discussions with Portugal and will showcase what Saab has to offer. After that, we’ll see if they view Gripen as a viable alternative,” Johansson shared.

It should be noted that in the past, Canada had already considered the Swedish fighter jet for procurement under the program to replace 86 CF-188A/B Hornet fighters. However, at that time, the country’s government decided to choose the American F-35 as a more advanced and interoperable platform.

Meanwhile, Portugal only recently started searching for a new fighter jet to replace its aging fleet of American F-16s, which have been in service with the country’s air force for quite some time.

Initially, the country planned to purchase around 30 new F-35 aircraft, but due to the unpredictability of Donald Trump’s new administration, Portugal has since shifted its priorities towards European aircraft.

It should be noted that, to date, the Portuguese Air Force has 28 F-16AM/BM aircraft, which were upgraded under the MLU program.

In addition, 12 F-16 fighter jets were sold to Romania in 2017, as the country faced difficulties operating and maintaining them in a combat-ready condition.

Apart from the potential sale of Gripen to Portugal and Canada, Saab has already seen success selling new Gripen E/F fighter aircraft to Colombia and Thailand.

In April, it was reported that Colombia chose the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to replace its aging fleet of Kfir combat aircraft.
The deal’s value has not been disclosed, and the signing of the corresponding contract between the parties is expected.

Meanwhile, the sale of aircraft to Thailand has been officially approved, and the number of aircraft to be purchased will range from 12 to 14 fighter jets to replace the aging fleet of F-16A/B OCU.