Saab Strengthens its Gripen Offer to Canada
The latest offer by Saab to Canada under the Future Fighter Capability Project focuses on strengthening the country's aerospace sector while providing an opportunity to boost economic benefits.
The offer involves establishing two new Aerospace Centers in the Greater Montreal Region as part of the unparalleled Industrial and Technological Benefits package that includes Canadian partners and companies to create long-term sustainable and high-skilled employment opportunities.
"These centers will help support a resurgent aerospace sector, building on its domestic excellence, while spurring development in new areas of research and giving the next generation of talented Canadians a career route and future," says Micael Johansson, Saab's President and CEO during the announcement at the Aero Montreal Innovation Forum.
The first center will be the “Gripen Center,” and will be managed by Canadians. The Gripen Center will host the fighter mission system that involves conducting domestic research and development (R&D) for the system and performing technological upgrades. These capabilities will also meet Canada's domestic, NORAD and NATO obligations. The center will be responsible for the sustainment of Gripen and its systems, including fleet management, repairs and modifications.
The second center will be established as an "Aerospace R&D Center" and will handle the development, test and production of the next generation fighter systems to enhance Canada’s existing aerospace industry. These will be carried out by Saab along with Canadian engineers, scientists, academia, and government organizations.
"We recognise that selecting Canada's future fighter is a vital decision that needs to support not just the nation’s NORAD and NATO commitments, but also value national sovereignty and autonomy," Micael Johansson says.
The Royal Canadian Air Force is looking to buy 88 advanced fighters as part of its Future Fighter Capability Program to replace its ageing fleet of Boeing CF-18 Hornets. Saab's long-term capability vision for Canada is perfect for the country's need for both R&D centers for aerospace innovation and industrial capacity that supports the latest technology.
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