OTTAWA — Saab Group, a Swedish defense company, is in discussions to potentially manufacture fighter jets in Canada, which could create thousands of jobs. Micael Johansson, the president and CEO of Saab, shared insights during an interview about the possibility of producing Gripen fighter jets on Canadian soil if the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) decides to include them in its fleet.

Johansson stated, "If Canada wants to create sovereign capabilities and to do their own upgrades, to build parts of it, to do final assembly and test, we are prepared to do that." He emphasized the company's willingness to facilitate a technology transfer to Canada to support local production.

Currently, Canada has committed to acquiring 16 F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin, with options for an additional 72. However, recent tensions between Canada and the United States have prompted some officials in Ottawa to reconsider their defense procurement strategies. Concerns have been raised regarding the level of control the U.S. maintains over the F-35 platform, particularly regarding parts and software that remain under American ownership. This situation has become more pressing amid growing distrust between the U.S. and its allies, including Canada.

Despite these concerns, the F-35 would enable the RCAF to operate seamlessly alongside allied forces that also utilize the aircraft. The purchase of the F-35s was initiated during the administration of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and is currently under review by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The timing of Johansson's comments coincides with an upcoming visit from Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, who will lead a delegation to Canada aimed at strengthening economic and defense relations between the two countries.