OTTAWA \u2014 Swedish fighter jet maker Saab has struck a deal to work with Canadian company CAE on a domestic training, flight simulation and support program if Ottawa decides to buy its Gripen jets.<\/p>\n
In a media statement, the two companies pitched the agreement as a way to ensure critical operational and mission systems information would stay in Canada and under Canadian control.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn addition, the partnership would provide Canada with the capability to independently support future mission system enhancements and upgrades, strengthening Canada\u2019s operational sovereignty and long-term sustainment capacity,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
Canada signed an agreement in 2022 to buy its new fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.<\/p>\n
The $19-billion agreement would see Ottawa procure up to 88 F-35 jets from the U.S. firm.<\/p>\n
An initial $7-billion purchase order for 16 fighters has been locked in and Canada is expected to receive the first planes in the U.S. later this year.<\/p>\n
Saab came second in the competition to replace the current CF-18 jets.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Mark Carney\u2019s government launched a review of the fighter jet program in March 2025 after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office and began his trade war.<\/p>\n
Saab has since launched a charm offensive, meeting regularly with federal officials in an attempt to convince the Canadian government to buy some of its Gripen E fighters and form a mixed fleet.<\/p>\n
In May, Saab deputy CEO Andres Carp said Canada could become a production and export site for the Gripen if it decides to buy the jets. The company is planning to build up to 20 jets for Ukraine\u2019s air force.<\/p>\n
It has said that a Canadian production hub could create as many as 10,000 jobs, though experts say there\u2019s no information available about how the company arrived at that figure.<\/p>\n
The Liberals have not said when their review will be complete or when they will make a decision about the future of the fighter jet program.<\/p>\n
CAE also signed an agreement with Lockheed Martin back in 2013 to make flight simulators for the F-35. At the time, the agreement was conditional on Canada choosing the stealth fighter for its new fleet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ottawa has now made CAE a strategic partner in the design and development of its fighter pilot training program for the F-35s.<\/p>\n
Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press<\/p>\n
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