Saab and CAE today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver advanced fighter pilot training, mission systems engineering, and support sustainment capabilities in Canada if the Government of Canada should add Gripen E to the Royal Canadian Air Force's future fighter capability.
The agreement builds on the longstanding expertise of both companies and reinforces Saab's commitment to delivering sovereign Canadian capability that would create high-value work opportunities, strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, and support operational readiness for decades to come.
Under the proposed arrangement, CAE would play a central role in establishing and operating a Canadian-based training ecosystem for Gripen pilots and technicians.
As part of this collaboration, CAE would be responsible to operate and sustain advanced Gripen training systems in Canada. This includes the development of Canadian-specific simulator capabilities and the delivery of live aircraft and technical training by Canadian personnel.
The collaboration would also establish CAE at the centre of critical sovereign capabilities in Canada for the development and management of sensitive operational and mission systems information. Canadian engineers and specialists would perform classified mission systems work, including systems design, software development, verification, and integration activities - ensuring that Canadian and NORAD-related information remains in Canada and under Canadian control.
In addition, the partnership would provide Canada with the capability to independently support future mission system enhancements and upgrades, strengthening Canada's operational sovereignty and long-term sustainment capacity. The agreement also opens the door for potential collaboration in markets outside of Canada, rooted in the Canadian work scope.
"Saab's approach has always been to build real capability in the countries where we operate," said Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab. "Through this partnership with CAE, we would establish a world-class, sovereign training and mission support capability in Canada, creating highly skilled jobs while ensuring that critical knowledge, expertise, and operational data remain in Canadian hands."
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting Canada's long-term defence readiness, and we’re proud to serve Canada's men and women in uniform through world-class training, simulation, and mission systems support,” said Matthew Bromberg, CAE President and CEO. “Our collaboration with Saab can help strengthen Canada's future fighter capability while creating meaningful opportunities for Canadian engineers, technicians, and aviation professionals.”
The proposed collaboration reflects Saab's commitment to delivering a Canadian solution for Canada—one that combines advanced combat capability with meaningful industrial participation, technology transfer, and enduring economic benefits for Canadians.
Contact
Saab Press Centre
+46 (0)734 180 018
presscentre@saabgroup.com
Sierra Fullerton
Head of Communications and Public Affairs, Saab Canada
+1 613 222-4666
sierra.fullerton@ca.saabgroup.com
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.