Saab CEO Sees 'Really Good Potential' for Canada-Gripen Deal Amid Ongoing F-35 Review

Saab’s CEO, Micael Johansson, says Canada’s aerospace infrastructure could support a faster delivery timeline for the Gripen fighter jet. The company has shared detailed information with Ottawa on affordability, infrastructure, and delivery speed. Canada has committed to acquiring 88 F-35A fighters from Lockheed Martin, with a review underway. Saab has also partnered with Canadian AI firm Cohere on GlobalEye-related applications. The Canadian government has asked Saab for clarity on industrial setup, technology transfer, and fleet integration. The outcome of the Gripen deal and the F-35 review are uncertain, but Johansson sees ‘really good potential’ for a deal. The first 16 F-35s are still on track for delivery starting at the end of 2026, and Canada has begun payments for long-lead components on an additional 14 jets to preserve its production slots. This is according to Saab, as reported by The Canadian Press.