DefenseSaab proposes Canadian production of Gripen and GlobalEye, pledging 12,600 jobs
Saab submitted proposals to the Canadian government to build Gripen fighters and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft in Canada, with a potential to create 12,600 jobs.
The plan includes local production for export markets, including Ukraine, following recent U.S. tariffs that have impacted Canadian industry, said the local media.
Saab’s proposal details the creation of 9,000 jobs tied to Gripen assembly and 3,600 jobs for GlobalEye production. The Canadian government, which has ordered 88 F-35 fighters but committed to only 16, is seeking options to offset job losses in sectors affected by tariffs.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson said, “If Canada wants to create sovereign capabilities, not just buy aircraft, we are prepared to transfer technology to Canada.” Industry Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the need for defense autonomy, stating, “We need greater autonomy from the U.S. in defense.”
The government is also addressing broader economic concerns as Ontario alone has lost over 20,000 manufacturing jobs in the past two years due to U.S. trade measures, while national job losses in auto, steel, aluminum, and lumber have reached approximately 200,000.
On November, Saab confirmed negotiations with the Canadian federal government and Bombardier for potential Gripen production in Canada. The talks include prospects for technology transfer and establishing research networks for additional platforms, including drones.
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