Saab reinforces Gripen E/F and GlobalEye bid for Canada

Saab’s Gripen E/F and GlobalEye proposal for Canada

Seeking to secure a role in the modernisation of the Royal Canadian Air Force while meeting pledges to create domestic jobs, Saab has strengthened its bid to supply the service with up to 72 new Gripen E/F fighters and up to 6 GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft. Local reports indicate that the Swedish company’s proposals are already being examined by panels comprising defence and economic specialists, as Ottawa faces a period of strained relations with the United States, which is backing the F-35 bid.

Canadian analysts say Mark Carney’s government is particularly interested in the prospect of diversifying its weapons suppliers while increasing the involvement of domestic industry, with the aim of achieving greater independence from its southern neighbour. Saab has also helped its case by saying it would consider establishing production facilities in Canada to build aircraft for Ukraine. Such facilities could create up to 10,000 jobs, making the proposal more attractive politically from an economic perspective.

Jobs, sovereignty and Canadian defence investment

Recent remarks by Canada’s Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, illustrate this position. She stated: “The government is interested in all major projects that can not only protect Canada’s security and sovereignty, but also create jobs across the country. We certainly cannot control President Trump, but we can control our defence investments, to whom we award contracts and how, ultimately, we can create jobs in Canada. Therefore, we are going to focus on that.”

As noted above, selecting the Gripen fighter bid would clearly affect the number of F-35s Canada would purchase. The country had previously confirmed plans to acquire up to 88 stealth fighters through an investment of nearly 27 billion dollars. However, that figure would be sharply reduced if 72 Gripens were brought into service, prompting extensive debate over the resulting implications.

Questions over F-35 integration and NORAD

Among the concerns raised, Canadian analysts remain uncertain that the Air Force can integrate two new combat fleets at the same time under current conditions. The specifics of Saab’s job-creation offer also remain largely unknown. From a strategic standpoint, there are serious questions over whether Washington would be willing to integrate Swedish-built fighters into NORAD, an issue that is fundamental to Canada’s defence plans.

The matter has also reached public debate, where opinion is divided between the available options. Published surveys indicate that the largest group of respondents supports acquiring a fleet made up solely of Gripen fighters. This is followed by a proposal for a fleet that also includes the F-35, while the least favoured option is one involving only Lockheed Martin aircraft. Significant differences are also apparent depending on each respondent’s political affiliation. This is relevant because, given the current circumstances, the Canadian government may propose an aircraft purchase driven chiefly by economic and political considerations rather than prioritising the platform’s technical capabilities or its effect on defence planning.