Canada’s strong aviation industry and aerospace capabilities make it an attractive location for expanding aircraft production, including Saab’s Gripen jet fighter, to support Ukraine’s developing air force, according to Sweden’s defense minister. Pal Jonson highlighted the potential during discussions with Canadian defense minister David McGuinty, amidst the ongoing deliberations over Canada’s choice between Gripen and U.S.-made F-35s for its fighter jet program.
Saab and Montreal-based Bombardier are already engaged in a partnership involving the GlobalEye early warning surveillance and control aircraft. The consideration of producing Gripen fighter jets outside Sweden stems from the country’s limited production capacity and labor resources.
Jonson expressed in an interview with CBC News the need for partnerships to enhance production, acknowledging Canada’s strong avionics industry as a potential collaboration opportunity. Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, indicated Canada as a prospective location for expanding Gripen production, particularly in light of a potential contract with Ukraine. While Saab primarily manufactures fighter jets in Sweden, it also operates a final assembly line in Brazil.
The potential expansion of Gripen production in Canada could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs, as per Saab’s commitment. The Canadian government is currently evaluating whether to proceed with a full order of 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin, having already placed an order for 16 of these stealth fighters.
Jonson emphasized that the decision to expand the Gripen production line to Canada is not contingent on Canada’s choice of aircraft for its fleet. He highlighted the successful collaboration between Saab and Bombardier, particularly in developing the GlobalEye surveillance system.
Sweden and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent for the potential export of up to 150 Gripen-Es to Ukraine. Similar agreements have been discussed with France for the acquisition of Rafale fighters, though no firm contracts have been finalized. Ukraine aims to assemble a mixed fleet of around 250 fighters, including Gripens, Rafales, and donated F-16s, but faces challenges related to financing the fleet amid financial constraints in Kyiv.
Overall, the partnership between Saab and Canada holds promise for enhancing aircraft production capabilities and supporting Ukraine’s air force development.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukraine-saab-gripen-canada-sweden-9.6984854)