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Saab Confirms Talks to Build Gripen Fighters in Canada With Bombardier

Saab outlines a technology-transfer plan to build Canadian aerospace capacity through local assembly.

Canada is only committed to buy 16 F-35s. The Swedish company Saab has proposed that Canada purchase the Gripen fighter jet instead.
Saab's Gripen E fighter jet is an alternative being considered to the American-made F-35.
A Saab Gripen E-series fighter aircraft is seen in the sky over the airport of Linkoping, Sweden, as it is shown to the Ukrainian President during his visit on October 22, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Sweden, where the two countries will make a "defence export" announcement, the Swedish government said. (Photo by Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Saab CEO Micael Johansson said negotiations with Ottawa and Bombardier cover licensed Gripen production in Canada that he says could create up to 10,000 jobs.
  • Follow-up meetings are scheduled for Nov. 18–20 during a Swedish royal visit, including talks involving Sweden’s defence minister, Canada’s defence minister and Bombardier’s CEO.
  • The proposal includes transferring technology, conducting final assembly and testing in Canada and establishing research and development centres to foster sovereign capability.
  • Saab and Bombardier are assessing potential sites because existing Bombardier plants lack capacity, and a new factory is under consideration as Ontario signals willingness to offer incentives.
  • The talks unfold as Canada’s F-35 purchase is under review, with an anonymous Ottawa source warning of possible U.S. retaliation if remaining jets are cancelled, and Saab indicating Canada could also build Gripens for Ukraine.