Based on coverage from CBC and Global.
Sweden Eyes Canadian Partnership for Gripen Production
Canada's aviation industry might soon see a boost, thanks to Sweden's interest in expanding its Gripen fighter jet production. During a recent visit to Ottawa, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson highlighted Canada's strong aerospace sector as an ideal partner for building Gripen jets, particularly to support Ukraine's air force. This comes amid Canada's ongoing debate over whether to fulfill its fighter jet needs with Saab's Gripen or the U.S.-made F-35s.
Saab, in collaboration with Montreal-based Bombardier, is already working on the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft. The Swedish company sees Canada as a potential site for Gripen production, which could create up to 10,000 jobs. This prospect is particularly appealing as Canada reviews its current order of 88 F-35s, with only 16 initially confirmed. The Canadian government is considering whether to pivot to another jet for the remainder of its fleet.
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Canada Weighs Economic and Strategic Benefits
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly expressed interest in Saab's proposal but emphasized the need for more details to assess the potential benefits for Canada. The offer from Saab includes a significant job creation promise, which Joly described as "very interesting." However, she noted that Canada is still in negotiations with Lockheed Martin and is evaluating both options to ensure maximum industrial benefits.
Sweden's Deputy Prime Minister Ebba-Elisabeth Busch underscored the reliability of Swedish partnerships, stating, "If you make a deal with a Swede, then that will really, really last." This sentiment aligns with Canada's broader strategy to strengthen economic ties with Nordic countries, as highlighted by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
Geopolitical Shifts and Military Needs
The backdrop to these discussions is the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly with Russia's actions in Ukraine. Canada is under pressure to expedite the replacement of its aging CF-18 fighter jets, a process that has been ongoing for over two decades. The urgency is compounded by Ukraine's interest in acquiring Gripens, Rafales, and F-16s to build a mixed fleet of approximately 250 fighters. However, Ukraine faces financial challenges in funding this expansion without external assistance.
Sweden has already signed a letter of intent with Ukraine for up to 150 Gripen Es, although no firm contracts have been finalized. The potential Canadian production of Gripens could play a crucial role in meeting these international demands while bolstering Canada's aerospace industry.
As Canada navigates these complex decisions, the focus remains on finding the best strategic and economic path forward. Whether it chooses to deepen its reliance on the U.S. with the F-35s or forge a new partnership with Sweden's Saab, the outcome will have significant implications for Canada's military capabilities and economic landscape.
