Canada’s strong aviation industry and expertise in aerospace make it an attractive location for expanding aircraft production, such as Saab’s Gripen jet fighter, to support Ukraine’s developing air force, according to Sweden’s defense minister. Pal Jonson expressed these views before a meeting with Canadian defense minister David McGuinty, amidst discussions on whether Canada will opt for Gripens over U.S.-made F-35s for its fighter jet program.
Saab and Montreal-based Bombardier are already engaged in a partnership for the GlobalEye early warning surveillance and control aircraft. The idea of manufacturing Gripen fighter jets outside Sweden is being considered due to the country’s limited capacity and labor resources.
Jonson mentioned in an interview with CBC News that Sweden is exploring partnerships to enhance production capacity, potentially including collaborations in Canada given its robust avionics industry. Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, highlighted Canada as a potential location for expanding Gripen fighter production in light of a possible contract with Ukraine, although the company’s primary production facilities remain in Sweden, with a final assembly line in Brazil.
This perspective adds a new angle to the ongoing debate surrounding Canada’s fighter jet program. Saab has pledged the creation of up to 10,000 jobs in Canada through a partnership for Gripen production. The Canadian government is currently deliberating on whether to proceed with a full order of 88 F-35s from Lockheed Martin, having already ordered 16 of the stealth fighters but indicating openness to considering other options for the remaining fleet.
Jonson emphasized that the decision on expanding Gripen production to Canada is solely Canada’s prerogative. He clarified that such expansion would not be contingent on Canada’s selection of Gripens for its own fleet, highlighting the successful collaboration between Saab and Bombardier on the GlobalEye system.
Sweden and Ukraine recently signed a letter of intent that could potentially lead to the export of up to 150 Gripen-Es to Ukraine, as part of the country’s plan to build a mixed fleet of around 250 fighters, including Rafales and F-16s. However, firm contracts have not been finalized, and challenges remain, particularly regarding how Ukraine will finance the acquisition without external assistance, given its current financial constraints.
Overall, the potential partnership between Sweden and Canada in expanding Gripen production signifies significant developments in the global aerospace industry, with implications for both military capabilities and economic growth.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ukraine-saab-gripen-canada-sweden-9.6984854)