Saab photo
If Canada buys the Gripen E, IMP Aerospace & Defence will assemble it here.
Saab announced Tuesday that it has signed a teaming agreement with IMP to establish a Canadian final assembly line for the fighter, naming IMP, Magellan Aerospace and CAE as its principal Canadian partners. Every agreement is conditional on the Government of Canada deciding to acquire the aircraft.
THE DETAILS
IMP: A new teaming agreement covers final assembly, electrical assembly production and in-service support for Canada’s Gripens.
Magellan Aerospace: A new memorandum of understanding covers local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures and structural assemblies.
CAE: A previously signed MOU covers fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering and support and sustainment.
WHY IT MATTERS
It’s Saab’s most specific industrial offer yet, naming who would build, assemble, train and sustain a Canadian Gripen fleet.
Saab is pitching sovereignty as much as aircraft. The company says the partnerships would give Canada a self-reliant capability to deploy, sustain and upgrade the fighter for decades.
Saab calls the three agreements a first step, and says it is also engaged with a broad range of Canadian companies, academic institutions and research organizations.
THE EXPORT PITCH
IMP is selling the line as bigger than a Canadian order.
“While that capability would be established to meet Canada’s requirements, its potential reaches well beyond Canada,” said IMP president David Gossen. “We see a real opportunity for IMP to produce and support aircraft for Gripen customers internationally.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Canada’s fighter capability is a long-term national investment,” said Saab president and CEO Micael Johansson.
Pascal Grenier, president of CAE Defense & Security, kept it conditional: “Should the Government of Canada select the Gripen, CAE is prepared to work with Saab to support Canada’s future fighter force.”
BOTTOM LINE
Saab now has its Canadian supply chain mapped out, partner by partner. What it still doesn’t have is an order.
