DefenseSaab Considers Canadian Gripen Assembly Amid Ukrainian Demand
Saab is considering establishing a Gripen fighter assembly line in Canada to address increased demand from Ukraine, according to Canadian media reports. The company is assessing options as Kyiv seeks to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E aircraft.
The potential Ukrainian order would require Saab to significantly expand its production capacity. Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab, stated that the company is exploring ways to scale up manufacturing, possibly in Canada or elsewhere in Europe.
Last week, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent for an export agreement that could see up to 150 Gripens delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force. Some aircraft could be financed using frozen Russian assets, according to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
The current Gripen order book includes 60 aircraft for the Swedish Air Force, 36 for Brazil, and four confirmed for Thailand. Colombia remains in advanced negotiations for an additional 16 to 18 units.
Canada’s Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, welcomed the discussions, indicating ongoing talks with Saab about potential industrial partnerships. Ukraine currently operates a mixed fleet that includes European F-16s, French Mirage 2000s, and two Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft.
Saab has not provided a timeline for a decision on the Canadian assembly line or a schedule for potential deliveries to Ukraine.
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