Saab Offers Canada 72 Gripen Fighter Jets Instead of F-35A

The Swedish defense company Saab has offered Canada a deal to supply 72 JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets as an alternative to the U.S.-made F-35A Lightning II.

According to CBC News, the potential agreement could also include six GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.

Saab claims that the proposed order would create approximately 12,600 jobs in Canada.

Sources within the government and defense industry say that Saab’s proposals for both aircraft are currently under review by experts in Ottawa, focusing on military capability and economic benefits.

The projects proposed by the Swedish company are generating significant interest within the Carney government, which is seeking to diversify military procurement and strengthen the country’s industrial sector.

In addition, Simon Carroll, CEO of Saab Canada, confirmed the Swedish group’s commitment to “providing the Canadian Armed Forces with sovereign and advanced solutions that will contribute to the growth of domestic industry.”

Canada is currently debating whether to proceed with the purchase of U.S.-made F-35A fighter jets or to acquire an alternative aircraft, with the Gripen emerging as one of the leading candidates.

Canada has already paid for the delivery of 16 F-35A aircraft, while the fate of the remaining 72 remains uncertain. In total, the country had planned to procure 88 aircraft of this type.

Canada’s military leadership supports the acquisition of the F-35, emphasizing the need for fifth-generation fighter jets to counter threats from China and Russia.

According to a recent Ekos survey, 43% of respondents supported purchasing Gripen to replace the CF-18, while 29% favored a mixed fleet of Gripen and F-35A aircraft.

Meanwhile, only 13% supported continuing the procurement of the F-35A as Canada’s primary fighter jet.