Saab is expanding the production capacity of Gripen E/F fighter jets in line with rising global demand. Localisation and the Canadian market stand out.
Swedish defence industry company Saab is planning to significantly expand the production capacity of its Gripen E/F series fighter jets in order to meet increasing global demand.
Target: Exceeding 36 Aircraft Per Year
According to FlightGlobal, the marketing director of the Gripen programme stated that Saab is currently aiming for an annual assembly rate of up to 36 aircraft. The official noted that, in line with increasing orders and ongoing international tenders, annual production could exceed 36 aircraft in the future. However, no clear figure has yet been shared on this matter.
It is stated that a significant portion of the production increase will take place outside Saab’s main facilities in Sweden.
Localisation Strategy Comes to the Fore
Within the scope of the Gripen programme, localisation stands out as one of the core elements of Saab’s growth strategy. The Gripen factory in Brazil, jointly operated by the company with Embraer, is expected to deliver its first aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force in the first quarter of 2026.
Additional orders from Thailand, Colombia and Sweden are said to provide Saab with a strong competitive advantage in ongoing and potential new tenders in countries such as Portugal, the Philippines and Ukraine.
Uncertainty Over Canada Continues
One of the biggest question marks in the Gripen programme is Canada. The Ottawa administration is reassessing its plan to purchase 88 F-35A fighter jets. While the Canadian government has so far committed to acquiring at least 16 F-35A aircraft, the decision regarding the remaining jets remains uncertain.
During this process, Saab proposed localising Gripen production in Canada by partnering with a domestic company, citing the Brazil model as an example.
Production Expansion Does Not Wait for a Decision
Saab officials emphasise that efforts to increase production capacity have effectively begun, regardless of Canada’s final decision. Within the company’s long-term plans, it is also noted that Ukraine aims to localise Gripen production starting from 2033.
In this context, the projects could cover a wide range of activities, from full-scale aircraft assembly to the production of individual parts and components.
