On April 6, 2025, Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed during an interview with Dagens industri that negotiations are ongoing with Canada regarding the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft. He added that Saab is maintaining contacts with Portugal and continuing discussions with potential Gripen customers in Latin America. This follows the recent announcement by Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding the acquisition of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, marking a decisive step in the country’s longstanding effort to modernize its air force.
Canada’s journey toward selecting a new fighter aircraft to replace its aging fleet of 98 CF-18A/B Hornet fighter jets, which entered Canadian service in 1982, has spanned more than a decade. Although Canada has been a partner in the F-35 development program since 1997, the selection process has experienced numerous reversals. The Canadian government initially announced its intention in 2010 to procure 65 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, citing the country’s status as a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program. However, rising costs and delivery delays led to a withdrawal from that plan in 2012. Following the 2015 election of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Liberal government reopened the fighter competition, citing the need for a more transparent and cost-effective procurement process. In December 2017, Canada launched an open bid for 88 new fighters, which included the F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Gripen, Dassault Rafale, and Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.