Saab and CAE today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deliver advanced fighter pilot training, mission systems engineering, and support sustainment capabilities in Canada if the Government of Canada should add Gripen E to the Royal Canadian Air Force's future fighter capability.
The agreement builds on the longstanding expertise of both companies and reinforces Saab's commitment to delivering sovereign Canadian capability that would create high-value work opportunities, strengthen Canada's defence industrial base, and support operational readiness for decades to come.
Under the proposed arrangement, CAE would play a central role in establishing and operating a Canadian-based training ecosystem for Gripen pilots and technicians.
As part of this collaboration, CAE would be responsible to operate and sustain advanced Gripen training systems in Canada. This includes the development of Canadian-specific simulator capabilities and the delivery of live aircraft and technical training by Canadian personnel.
The collaboration would also establish CAE at the centre of critical sovereign capabilities in Canada for the development and management of sensitive operational and mission systems information. Canadian engineers and specialists would perform classified mission systems work, including systems design, software development, verification, and integration activities - ensuring that Canadian and NORAD-related information remains in Canada and under Canadian control.
In addition, the partnership would provide Canada with the capability to independently support future mission system enhancements and upgrades, strengthening Canada's operational sovereignty and long-term sustainment capacity. The agreement also opens the door for potential collaboration in markets outside of Canada, rooted in the Canadian work scope.
"Saab's approach has always been to build real capability in the countries where we operate," said Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab. "Through this partnership with CAE, we would establish a world-class, sovereign training and mission support capability in Canada, creating highly skilled jobs while ensuring that critical knowledge, expertise, and operational data remain in Canadian hands."
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting Canada's long-term defence readiness, and we’re proud to serve Canada's men and women in uniform through world-class training, simulation, and mission systems support,” said Matthew Bromberg, CAE President and CEO. “Our collaboration with Saab can help strengthen Canada's future fighter capability while creating meaningful opportunities for Canadian engineers, technicians, and aviation professionals.”
The proposed collaboration reflects Saab's commitment to delivering a Canadian solution for Canada—one that combines advanced combat capability with meaningful industrial participation, technology transfer, and enduring economic benefits for Canadians.
Noah Note: CAE was part of the OG Team Gripen, so theor inclusion here doesn't truly surprise me. If anything, I would be more shocked if they aren't included. CAE always wins, after all. Although as Canada’s leading simulator and training development companies, no matter what fighter aircraft tou talk you will gind them.
I expect that as things reach a suspected decision point, whenrver government believes it should happen, we will see Saab and maybe Lockheed try to throw out some of these MOU and agreements. Saab has a previous Globaleye agreement with CAE, Lockheed has been more strengthening their existing frontier.
The “development and management of sensitive operational and mission systems information” is somwthing to keep a sharp eye out for. Saab has been fsirly open about Data sovereignty, it's one of their big pitches, and so I suspect stuff like this won't be just here. I expect we're gonna see a lot on this front in the coming weeks as more comes out.
You don't build that ecosystem of any one person. It'll require a cohort of companies and specialists across IT, Cybersecurity, AI and digital infrastructure to make happen. CAE taking a lead is a fair choice, but I doubt they'll be the only one in the picture. Also expect thatbwe will see a lot of the OG Team Gripen return to the fold. We'll see though.