Saab and Canadian Organisation CRIAQ Sign MoU
Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ). The MoU aims to strengthen the collaborative effort between Saab, the Canadian industry, as well as universities and other research organizations through the Gripen contract.
“We are very pleased with this signing as we continue to develop our aerospace industry, adding a new global player to our ecosystem. I am convinced that CRIAQ's academic, industrial and SME community, and the Quebec economy as well, will clearly benefit from this international collaboration," said Alain Aubertin, CEO of CRIAQ.
Furthermore, the contract deepens Saab's commitments to Canada's ITB (Industrial and Technological Benefits) Policy which was launched in 2014. ITB is the country’s main tool for leveraging defence procurement projects to create jobs and boost economic growth in Canada. As a company that aims to support long-term sustainability and growth of its customers' defence sector, Saab will demonstrate the same if Gripen is selected for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).
“The quality and breadth of aerospace research and innovation in Canada is globally recognised, with the Quebec region home to many excellent companies and institutions. Therefore, it was natural to reach this agreement with an important organisation like CRIAQ. We look forward to working together to benefit research and the fostering of talent in Quebec,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Saab’s Head of business area Aeronautics.
Saab submitted its proposal that comprises of 88 Gripen E fighters for the Canadian FFCP in July 2019. A core element of the Gripen industrial offer includes CAE, a Canadian manufacturing company in Montreal, Quebec, which will supply training and mission systems solutions. Earlier this year, Saab also announced a Gripen for Canada team that will have innovative leaders within Canada’s aerospace industry, across multiple regions.
Read the press release here.