Saab CEO says plan to build Gripen jets in Canada depends on Ottawa making an order
By Canadian Press on November 21, 2025.
OTTAWA — Saab CEO Micael Johansson says his company’s plan to set up shop in Canada to build fighter jets will depend largely on whether Ottawa buys its Gripen aircraft.
Johansson tells The Canadian Press it “doesn’t really make sense” to build the aircraft in a country that isn’t buying the jets, which are designed to be continuously upgraded as technology evolves.
Saab has proposed a production hub in Canada which could produce about 10,000 jobs — but the company is also looking at setting up in other countries in Europe.
The proposal comes as the federal government reviews its contract to buy up to 88 F-35 stealth fighters from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly told reporters this week that Canada didn’t get enough industrial benefits from that deal.
Speaking alongside her Swedish counterpart, Industry Minister Ebba Busch, Joly said Thursday that while Canada is very much interested in Saab, Ottawa needs more details about the proposal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2025.
Kyle Duggan and Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press
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Once again the Liberals are looking at purchasing an aircraft that will not meet the requirements needed to our changing world. It would take 3 years for delivery of the Gripen from Sweden once a deal is signed, while Canadian pilots and mechanics would begin training on the CF-35’s next year on US bases, with delivery to Canadian bases on 2028.
The CF-35 would be a far superior aircraft than the Saab Gripen, The Gripen is only a 4th generation fighter, while the CF-35, a 5th generation aircraft which is more advanced. China is already testing 6th generation aircraft, and Russia is conducting R&D on a 6th generation fighter.
Although the Gripen is a great aircraft, both Russia and China are moving towards war, with China wanting to dominate the world. We are facing another world war and need the tools to protect our western values . . . or everyone better start learning Mandarin!
Personally I have zero faith in the Liberals procuring any military equipmen just from the history of their failed purchases. Once again, they appear to be not just thinking about the Gripen, but are dealing behind closed doors. Another sub deal failure!
Joly states that the benefits from the CF-35 manufacturing never really manifested in Canada . . . that is because Canada didn’t completely commit! The Liberals kept saying they were going to cancel the deal, or possibly reduce the number purchased. So yes . . . of course Canada didn’t get as much from the deal when they entered into the R&D of the aircraft and were sharing in production . . . the purchase was part of the deal and Liberals conitinual acts of non-committal caused the loss of those production benefits.
The Saab CEO shared similar concerns in his statement:
” . . . Johansson tells The Canadian Press it “doesn’t really make sense” to build the aircraft in a country that isn’t buying the jets, . . . ”
Joly just doesn’t get it and it is sad we got stuck with the same government leadership that destroyed our country in just a few years, the only difference with a new leader and cabinet shuffled! Never did like Joly since she was very close to PM Trudeau!
We need the CF-35 in todays insecure world and it appears that instead we are going to get stuck with Gripen. This is not the time for bargain shopping! Then again, Joly and Carney would never be on the front lines with missiles or other projectiles fired at them . . . as those who serve face!