On July 17, Swedish defense company Saab and Canadian technology firm CAE, a global leader in aviation training, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot training, aircraft support capabilities, and related services should Canada ultimately select the Gripen E to strengthen its air force.
According to Saab's press release, the agreement would see CAE operate and support the training system within Canada, including the development of mission-specific simulators tailored to the Royal Canadian Air Force's operational requirements. In practice, this would establish a comprehensive domestic Gripen pilot training infrastructure.
Read more: UK Contributes €300M to Ukraine's Gripen E Purchase, Supporting 5,000 British Jobs as Over 30% of Aircraft Components Made in Britain
The cooperation also envisions CAE becoming a "center of critical sovereign capability for the development and management of sensitive information." This includes software development and other high-security activities, ensuring that sensitive data remains under Canadian control.
From Defense Express's perspective, the memorandum is another step in Saab's ongoing campaign to promote the Gripen to Canada, which has yet to make a final decision on its future fighter fleet. Current indications suggest Ottawa may ultimately opt for a mixed fleet. Canada is reportedly evaluating a force of 72-88 F-35s alongside 72 Gripen E/F fighters.
One detail in Saab's announcement is particularly noteworthy. The company states that the agreement "also opens opportunities for potential collaboration in markets beyond Canada, leveraging Canadian capabilities." Saab did not elaborate on what forms that cooperation could take beyond pilot training, but the wording could indirectly have implications for Ukraine.
It would be premature to draw firm conclusions. However, Saab has repeatedly encouraged Canada to procure the Gripen by proposing that Canadian industry participate in manufacturing aircraft intended for Ukraine. From Ukraine's perspective, that is not necessarily the most favorable scenario, as involving Ukraine's own defense industry in such a program would be a far more attractive option.
On the other hand, it is worth recalling that, in late June, the first firm contract was signed for the delivery of 16 new Swedish Gripen E fighters to Ukraine, valued at approximately €2.2 billion, with deliveries scheduled for 2029-2030. That timeline is relatively short, making it unlikely that Canada could establish a full-scale domestic Gripen production line before those aircraft are delivered.
At the same time, Ukraine is expected to receive more than 100 new Gripen fighters overall. If Canada ultimately selects the Swedish aircraft, Canadian industry could potentially participate in fulfilling follow-on contracts.
Read more: Ukraine's Gripen E Deal Has Become More Expensive, But It Still Offers a Crucial Advantage
