Gripen for Ukraine: Saab Considers Additional Production in Canada

The Swedish defense company Saab is considering Canada as a potential location for the assembly of Gripen fighter jets. This decision is due to the growing demand from Ukraine.

According to CityNews, at the Aerospace Summit in Ottawa, Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly called it ‘good news.’ She confirmed that she is in talks with Saab’s management about the partnership, which already includes the Global Eye airborne surveillance aircraft.

The company is looking for ways to expand its production capacity, both in Canada and Europe. Simon Carroll, President of Saab Canada, said that Canada is a key market to support global demand growth.

Saab is already working with Canadian companies to produce the Global Eye. The aircraft is assembled in Mississauga, and the final installation of radars and sensors is carried out in Sweden.

Earlier, Saab offered Canada to build the Gripen on its territory as part of the competition to replace the CF-18 (F/A-18). The company lost to Lockheed Martin with the F-35.

Ottawa is currently reviewing the contract for the purchase of 88 F-35s. The government does not rule out the option of a mixed fleet – partly Gripen, partly F-35.

Last week, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent to supply up to 150 Gripen. The contract has not yet been signed.