Days prior to the unveiling of the federal budget, the CEO of Saab, a Swedish industrial powerhouse, journeyed to Ottawa to confer with Canada’s top bureaucrat, hinting at a potential agreement in the making between the Canadian government and the military manufacturer.
Insiders revealed that the meeting between Michael Sabia, the Privy Council’s clerk, and Micael Johansson on Oct. 31 underscores Canada’s keen interest in procuring European military assets and enhancing its local production capabilities.
Further indications are anticipated during the visit of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, along with a business and political delegation, to Canada from Nov. 18 to 20. This delegation includes Sweden’s deputy prime minister, Ebba Busch, and defence minister Pål Jonson, besides over 60 representatives from the Swedish business community.
The influential Wallenberg family, known for their significant investments in companies like Ericsson and Saab, will also be part of the delegation. Saab, a major industrial group renowned for producing Gripen fighter jets and GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, is eager to expand its presence in Canada.
The visit’s itinerary covers stops in Ottawa and Montreal, aiming to bolster Canada’s military ties with fellow NATO and Arctic nations, following the government’s pledge of $82 billion in new defense spending.
Saab chairman Marcus Wallenberg and CEO Micael Johansson, shown here in a 2023 file photo, are expected to visit Canada in mid-November. (Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters)
During the delegation’s visit to Bombardier’s facilities in Montreal, the focus will be on potential collaborations between Saab and Bombardier for producing Gripens tailored for the Canadian market and other prospective clients like Ukraine.
Simon Carroll, president of Saab Canada, expressed Saab’s eagerness to expand in Canada, citing the country as an ideal partner with a skilled workforce capable of supporting global growth.
Christina Keighren from Business Sweden, which organized the commercial delegation, emphasized the mutual benefits of closer collaboration between Canada and Sweden.
Amid strained Canada-U.S. relations, the Canadian government is exploring a potential mixed fleet of F-35s and Gripens for the Royal Canadian Air Force, considering the cost advantages of the Gripen E over the F-35.
Experts highlight the potential challenges of maintaining and operating two different fleets, particularly in terms of training and infrastructure requirements.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jon
