Saab has confirmed its intention to collaborate with several of Canada’s major international aerospace firms including CAE, IMP and Magellan Aerospace, as its principal Canadian industry partners if Gripen E is selected by the Government of Canada.
The decision has come as a first step to establish a broad, national ecosystem that will build, deliver and support the Gripen E advanced multi-role fighter, should Canada proceed with a Gripen acquisition.
“Canada's fighter capability is a long-term national investment. Together with CAE, IMP and Magellan Aerospace we are prepared to establish a strong Canadian industrial ecosystem around Gripen that delivers operational effect, national sovereignty and lasting industrial and technological benefits," President and CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson, said.
If selected, Saab and its Canadian partners will establish a comprehensive, in-country capability for the production, final assembly, support and further development of airpower capabilities. The collaboration would also include in-service support (ISS), training and long-term sustainment capabilities.
Saab has signed a new Teaming Agreement with IMP to establish a new final assembly line, for the Gripen fighter in Canada. IMP will also be responsible for electrical assembly production and ISS for Canada’s Gripens.
“We are proud to be selected by Saab to establish a Canadian capability for the production and long-term support of Gripen. While that capability would be established to meet Canada’s requirements, its potential reaches well beyond Canada. We see a real opportunity for IMP to produce and support aircraft for Gripen customers internationally, positioning Canadian industry as an enduring part of the global Gripen program,” IMP Aerospace & Defence, President, David Gossen, said.
Saab has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Magellan Aerospace to provide local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures and structural assemblies in Canada.
“As a proud Canadian manufacturer, Magellan Aerospace is well-positioned to bring decades of advanced aerospace manufacturing expertise to the Gripen program, supporting the creation of high-tech jobs and sovereign defence capability right here in Canada," Magellan Aerospace, Vice President Business Development, Haydn Martin, said.
Saab has previously signed a MoU with CAE to deliver advanced fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering and support/sustainment capabilities in Canada.
“CAE has decades of experience contributing to the mission readiness of fighter pilots around the world,” CAE Defense & Security, President, Pascal Grenier, said.
“We have a longstanding commitment to the Royal Canadian Air Force and its training needs. Should the Government of Canada select the Gripen, CAE is prepared to work with Saab to support Canada’s future fighter force.”
All these agreements and MoUs are dependent on if Canada selects Saab's aircraft.
According to Saab, these partnerships are designed to strengthen Canada’s sovereign defence capability while contributing to the development of advanced aerospace and defence experience across the country.
They will also provide Canada with a self-reliant and sovereign capability to deploy, sustain and enhance a critical national asset for decades to come.
Additionally, Saab is engaged with a broad range of Canadian companies, academic institutions and research organisations to further develop a future defence industrial ecosystem in Canada.