Canada Gripen Partnership
CAE and Saab Partner on Gripen Training in Canada, Boosting Defense and Jobs
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Key Points
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CAE plans to transfer its U.S. stock listing from the NYSE to the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
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Saab intends to assemble Gripen jets locally in Canada to meet growing international demand, including orders from Ukraine.
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Canada would host sensitive operational and mission-systems work, with Canadian engineers performing classified mission-systems work and NORAD-related information kept in Canada to preserve sovereignty.
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The agreement envisions Canadian-specific simulator capabilities and live aircraft/technical training delivered by Canadian personnel as part of CAE's training ecosystem.
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Saab CEO Micael Johansson emphasized Saab's strategy to build real capability in the countries where it operates: 'Saab's approach has always been to build real capability in the countries where we operate.'
CAE and Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on training, simulation, and mission support for the Gripen fighter jet in Canada, according to Canadian Defence Review. The deal is contingent on Canada choosing the Gripen E for its future fighter program — a decision that could reshape the country's defense industrial base.
If selected, the partnership would create a Canadian-based training ecosystem for Gripen pilots and technicians, with advanced simulators, live flight training, and long-term sustainment services, CanTech Letter reported. The two companies also say the collaboration could expand into international markets beyond Canada.
A Canadian Training Ecosystem Built Around Gripen
Under the MoU, CAE would build simulator capabilities specifically designed for the Gripen E, according to MarketScreener. Canadian personnel would deliver both technical and live aircraft training. The goal is a full training pipeline run by Canadians, for Canadians — from cockpit readiness to ground crew skills.
Saab also plans to open a Gripen Centre in Montreal. Additional specialized centres are planned for Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal to support fleet management, maintenance, and interoperability with allied forces, Canadian Defence Review reported. These hubs would serve as the backbone of Canada's Gripen support network.
Canada Would Keep Sensitive Mission Systems Work at Home
One of the deal's biggest selling points is sovereignty. Canadian engineers would handle classified mission-systems work. Sensitive NORAD-related information would stay inside Canada, rather than being sent abroad for upgrades or maintenance, according to MarketScreener.
The MoU gives Canada ongoing control over system upgrades and enhancements. That means the Royal Canadian Air Force would not need to rely on foreign governments or contractors to access its own jet's software. For a country that shares sensitive air defense data with the US, that kind of control matters.
Saab Plans Local Gripen Assembly and Global Expansion
Saab intends to assemble Gripen jets locally in Canada, not just sell them. The company is facing growing international demand, including orders from Ukraine, CanTech Letter reported. Local assembly would create high-value manufacturing jobs and strengthen Canada's defense industrial base.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson made the company's intent clear. 'Saab's approach has always been to build real capability in the countries where we operate,' he said. That philosophy, combined with CAE's deep training expertise, positions the partnership as more than a vendor relationship — it is a long-term industrial commitment.
CAE Brings Training Expertise as It Eyes Nasdaq Move
CAE is not just a training company — it is a global simulation giant. The Montreal-based firm is also planning to move its US stock listing from the NYSE to the Nasdaq Global Select Market, a sign of its ambitions in the tech-heavy defense and aviation sectors, according to MarketScreener.
The Gripen MoU gives CAE a major anchor contract opportunity if Canada picks the jet. Company leaders say the deal would create high-value jobs and boost Canada's sovereign industrial capacity. For both firms, the agreement signals a bet that Canada will choose the Gripen — and that they will be ready when it does.
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