Saab Lines Up Canadian Partners for Gripen Bid

With F-35 procurement under review, Saab has teamed with CAE, IMP, and Magellan Aerospace to build Gripens on Canadian soil.

By The Defense Desk

Saab has formed a Canadian industrial coalition to build, deliver, and support the Gripen E fighter jet domestically — a move timed precisely to Ottawa's widening doubts about its F-35 commitment. [1]

Canada had committed to buying 88 Lockheed Martin F-35s, but that deal is under review after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to economically cripple the country and suggested it could be annexed as the 51st state. At this point Canada has paid for 16 F-35s. Two of the aircraft were transferred to Canada on Oct. 9 and Oct. 22. [1]

The Swedish manufacturer has signed a teaming agreement with IMP of Halifax to establish a new final assembly line for the Gripen in Canada; IMP will also handle electrical assembly production and in-service support. Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Magellan Aerospace of Mississauga for local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures, and structural assemblies, and has previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CAE of Montreal to deliver advanced fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering and support/sustainment capabilities in Canada. [1]

The Gripen bid builds on Saab's existing Canadian footprint. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced May 27 that Canada will purchase six GlobalEye early warning and control aircraft in a deal estimated at more than $5 billion CAN ($3.[1]

When a supplier assembles your jets at home, the political calculus shifts — sovereignty becomes a line item, not just a talking point.

Prime Minister Carney has not indicated when he will decide whether to proceed with the remaining F-35s, keep the Gripen as an alternative, or pursue both. [1]