As previously predicted by Defense Express, Ukraine is expected to localize Gripen production using its own industrial base. In fact, Saab CEO Micael Johansson has already confirmed this possibility twice in interviews with international media.
First, he told the specialized publication FlightGlobal that Saab "needs another production center" and that relevant negotiations would be initiated in the near future. Later, in an interview with the Financial Times, Johansson stated directly:
Read more: How Many Used JAS 39 Gripen C/D Fighters Could Ukraine Receive if Deliveries Start in 2026?
"It would be good to organize facilities in Ukraine — at least for final assembly and testing, and possibly for component production."
From Defense Express's perspective, establishing Gripen production in Ukraine would be a logical and highly anticipated step. Brazil received similar terms, and a comparable offer was once extended to India (though it has not yet been accepted). For Ukraine, however, such an opportunity should be seized and given the highest priority.
A key point in Johansson's comments is the distinction between "final assembly" and "component production."
The difference is significant. Final assembly would mean building aircraft in Ukraine from Saab-supplied kits.
By contrast, component production would involve a much broader manufacturing infrastructure — effectively integrating Ukraine into the Gripen global supply chain.
Brazil offers a clear example. The Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto carries out final assembly of JAS 39E/F Gripen fighters. However, production there extends well beyond assembly. Embraer manufactures fuselage and wing sections, while Saab Aeronáutica Montagens produces other fuselage and wing components, as well as air brakes.
Radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and additional subsystems are handled by Saab Sensores e Serviços do Brasil, while companies such as AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, and Mectron Communication also contribute to the program.
To launch final assembly in Brazil, Saab partnered with the country's largest aircraft manufacturer — Embraer. Although Embraer traditionally specializes in civilian and transport aircraft, this did not prevent it from successfully establishing full-scale fighter aircraft production with Saab's support.
Moreover, Saab opened two new facilities and partnered with four additional local firms, transferring more than 60 distinct technologies.
This extensive cooperation was part of a 2014 contract for 36 aircraft valued at $5.4 billion, under which Brazil was to assemble eight aircraft from Saab-supplied kits and independently manufacture another fifteen.
Regarding timelines, Brazil received its first JAS 39E Gripen in 2019, while its first fully domestically built aircraft is only now preparing for its maiden flight.
However, these timelines are not directly comparable. First, the project involved establishing production for a new-generation fighter, even for Saab itself, as the differences between Gripen C/D and Gripen E/F are considerable. Second, schedules were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In practical terms, the initial stages of Brazil's program were designed for 1–2 years of facility construction and technology transfer, with production starting in the third year.
When evaluating potential sites for Gripen assembly in Ukraine, the most logical approach would be to engage all major Ukrainian aerospace manufacturers, each responsible for specific localized components, assemblies, systems, and fuselage elements.
It is also plausible that Saab might choose to establish its own facilities or acquire existing ones in Ukraine. Regardless of ownership, however, all production would have to meet Saab’s stringent quality and certification standards.
As Defense Express reported, Saab to launch air defense production in Ukraine, could aid Gripen jet manufacturing.
Read more: Saab Assesses Possibility of Creating New Gripen Production Center for Ukraine
