Saab to explore possible Gripen production in Canada
Ukraine could buy up to 100-150 Gripen E fighter jets, increasing the need for a production ramp-up. (Photo: Saab)
The potential expansion of production comes in the wake of Ukraine signing a letter of intent with Sweden for Gripen jets.
Saab is looking at ways to expand the production capacity of its Gripen fighter aircraft to meet rising demand, with Canada considered as a possible location for a new assembly line.
According to reports from local Canadian media at the Canadian Aerospace Summit on 29 October, Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that she had been “actively working” with Saab to discuss the possibility of developing “more partnerships with Canada” – including the GlobalEye programme and how Canada could help support Saab with Ukraine.
Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent (LoI) on 22 October for the potential sale of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
