Saab CEO: Canada could get its first Gripen fighter in five years

Saab’s chief executive said Canada’s existing aerospace infrastructure sets it apart from previous Gripen customers and could support a faster delivery timeline. 

Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson said on March 29, 2026, that delivering Gripen fighter jets to Canada within five years is “absolutely doable,” arguing that the country’s industrial base gives it a stronger starting point than previous customers such as Brazil. 

Speaking to CTV Question Period, Johansson said it is “absolutely credible” that the first Canadian-built Gripen could leave the factory within five years. Pressed on a previous eight-year delay in delivering Gripen jets to Brazil, he said the Canadian context is different and that “the Canadian foundation to do this is broader,” citing existing infrastructure as the key advantage. 

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, near the first domestically produced Gripen (Credit: Saab)On March 25, 2026, Johansson attended the rollout of the first locally assembled Gripen E at Embraer’s plant in Gaviao Peixoto. Under the 2014 contract, Brazil ordered 36 Gripen fighters, of which 11 have been delivered from Sweden so far, with the Brazilian line expected to produce 15 of the total. Saab has cited that model as a template for Canada, where it has said local Gripen and GlobalEye production could support more than 12,000 jobs. 

“Quite intensive” talks, no timeline 

Johansson said Saab has been sharing detailed information with Ottawa on affordability, infrastructure, and delivery speed, but has not received a “firm answer” on when the review will conclude. He described the company’s conversations with the federal government as “quite intensive.” 

He added there is still a “political decision” to be made over whether Canada will operate a dual fleet of F-35s and Gripens. Asked about the likelihood of a deal, he said he sees “really good potential” but pointed again to the political decision Ottawa needs to make first. 

A review with no end date 

Canada committed in 2023 to acquiring 88 F-35A fighters from Lockheed Martin to replace its aging CF-18 fleet. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on March 14, 2025, that Ottawa would take a second look at the purchase amid the ongoing trade war with President Donald Trump. The government pledged to reach a decision by the end of summer but has yet to announce results.  

The first 16 aircraft remain on track for delivery starting at the end of 2026, and Canada has quietly begun payments for long-lead components on an additional 14 jets to preserve its production slots. 

Gripen fighter jet on the assembly line at Saab’s production facility in Linkoping (Credit: Saab)On March 24, 2026, Johansson told The Canadian Press he did not know when the government would decide, adding that some of his meetings in Ottawa were specifically aimed at getting clarity on the question. The government has asked Saab detailed questions about industrial setup, technology transfer and fleet integration.  

Beyond the Gripen, Saab has recently partnered with Canadian AI firm Cohere on GlobalEye-related applications and has suggested Ottawa could contribute to Sweden’s next-generation combat aviation program, known as KFS. The post Saab CEO: Canada could get its first Gripen fighter in five years appeared first on AeroTime.

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