Writer

Charlotte Bailey

Commenting on the speculation that Canada might revise its plans to acquire a fleet consisting entirely of F-35s, Mikael Franzén, Saab chief marketing officer for the Gripen multirole fighter, said his company is&nbsp;“responding to questions.” Advocating for the combined strength of a potential mixed fleet,&nbsp;Franzén said,&nbsp;“Gripen is strong on availability and adaptability and would give combat mass to Canada.”
The revised selection—which could see some 72 of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35 orders canceled by Canada—could be more than a pointed statement on U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasingly fractious foreign policy. As for the financial burden, “of course, you will be able to procure more Gripens than F-35s, so it’s a significant cost difference," Franzén said, “but also the operational cost is significantly better on the Gripen.”
With Canada looking to acquire its new fleet before 2032, the acquisition of the Gripen would entail significant domestic production, said Franzén. This line could produce aircraft for export, too, he added. 
Saab has already recognized what Franzén termed a “customer focus on quick deliveries,” having acknowledged a pressing need to scale its fighter production. This is split between two lines, in Linköping, Sweden, and Gavião Pexioto, Brazil. The rollout of the first Gripen E assembled at the latter facility is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026—marking the inaugural supersonic fighter built in the country—followed by the first two-seat Gripen F from the Linköping line in the second quarter.
Saab has already started investing in strengthening Swedish production, including increasing collaboration with suppliers. However, beyond that, Saab recognizes that further growth would require significant industrial collaboration, such as the existing technology transfer program that sees the E built at Embraer’s São Paulo facility. With Franzén identifying Canada and Portugal as ideal production sites, ultimately, augmented external collaboration will be critical to increasing Saab’s target rate of 36 aircraft per year. 
Production of the 17 Gripen E/Fs that Colombia ordered in November 2025 is “underway, with the delivery schedule now being defined,” Franzén said, citing a first delivery scheduled for 2028. The first E model for existing C/D customer Thailand is anticipated in 2029, with discussions for potential second and third batches (of four aircraft each) to begin this year. Four additional aircraft for Hungary are also set to be delivered “very soon.” 
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ acquisition plan for up to 40 multi-role fighter aircraft remains in play, while the Peruvian government has “approved budgets to a certain level” for a potential 24 aircraft. “We are in the final fight there,” suggested Franzén. 
Within Europe, a landmark letter of intent signed in October 2025—identifying Ukraine’s interest in 100 to 150 Gripen E/Fs—will likely be preceded by a shorter-term solution entailing the transfer of Gripen C/Ds. “We are in tight connection with Ukrainian companies on how to set that up,” concluded Franzén, noting that Saab is “looking into how we should be able to support these aircraft in Ukraine, if and when they are delivered.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Saab Advocates Mixed Canadian Fleet as Gripen Production Set to Scale  

Targeted rate of 36 units a year dependant on increased industrial collaboration 

With Canada potentially looking to acquire its new fleet before 2032, the acquisition of the Gripen would entail significant domestic production.

Canada’s Fighter Debate Reopens Door for Gripen

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Donald

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The Indonesian MoD is now discussing a wide-ranging support solution

Support for the M-346F in Indonesia Gathers Momentum

The Ellyon is a multirole AEW/ISR/EA platform 

IAI Shows Off Special-mission Gulfstream G600

Neelam Mathews

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Partners would bypass Western sanctions on the 100-seat regional jet

HAL and UAC Plot Indian Production of Russian SJ-100

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Singapore Airshow 2026

In this article

Saab Aerospace

More In Aircraft

Support for the M-346F in Indonesia Gathers Momentum

The Indonesian MoD is now discussing a wide-ranging support solution

IAI Shows Off Special-mission Gulfstream G600

The Ellyon is a multirole AEW/ISR/EA platform

HAL and UAC Plot Indian Production of Russian SJ-100

Partners would bypass Western sanctions on the 100-seat regional jet

Singapore Welcomes the Falcon 6X to Show Site

Singapore Airshow offers Dassault an opportunity to engage customers in a promising market.

South Korea Opts To Upgrade 'SLAM Eagles'

Launched the upgrade program for its fighter fleet

Flying Fish To Soar in Singapore Waters

Singaporean ferry operator BatamFast will operate the Airfish maritime vessel

Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flies with Thrust Vectoring at the Singapore Airshow

Its routine wouldn't be complete without the Cobra maneuver.

Boeing Confident 777X Will Be Certified This Year

Upcoming widebody will help meet record-setting aircraft demand in southeast Asia

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN