With the support of the Swedish government, Saab Canada has presented a concept for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP). The proposal includes 88 Gripen E fighter aircraft with a comprehensive support and training package as well as an industrial and technology program.
From 2025, Canada plans to put 88 new fighter aircraft into service to replace the CF-188 Hornet. To this end, the Canadian Ministry of Defense sent out requests for proposals (RFP) to four fighter aircraft manufacturers in July last year. After Eurofighter withdrew from the competition immediately afterwards, three manufacturers remained in the race: Lockheed Martin (F-35 Lightning II), Boeing (F/A-18E/F Super Hornet) and Saab (Gripen E). “The Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and combat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada’s specific defense requirements and offers exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities. What is unique about the system is that it can be rapidly upgraded to maintain technological superiority over any adversary,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. Hjelm continues: “With Saab and Gripen, the Royal Canadian Air Force will have full control over its combat system. A guarantee for the exchange of key technology, production, support and in-country lifecycle improvements will ensure that Canada’s sovereignty is strengthened for decades to come.” A core element of the offer is the formation of a so-called “Gripen for Canada team” consisting of IMP Aerospace & Defense, CAE, Peraton Canada and GE Aviation. Sweden and Brazil have ordered Gripen E, with the first aircraft being included in the development programs of both countries. Brazil has also ordered the two-seat Gripen F and will be the sixth nation to operate Gripen, alongside Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand. In addition, the British Empire Test Pilots School (ETPS) uses Gripen for training test pilots. The Saab supplier team includes Diehl Defense GmbH & Co KG, MBDA UK Ltd. and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
