Paving the Way for Strengthened Collaboration if GRIPEN Wins Fighter Competition

Saab and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) signed an MoU in April aimed at leveraging Quebec’s R&D strengths to encourage development of collaborative research projects between Saab and Canadian industry, as well as universities and research organizations, the company announced on 14 October.

This collaboration has been formed to support Saab’s future Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) commitments, should the GRIPEN be selected for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).

“The quality and breadth of aerospace research and innovation in Canada is globally recognised, with the Quebec region home to many excellent companies and institutions. Therefore, it was natural to reach this agreement with an important organisation like CRIAQ. We look forward to working together to benefit research and the fostering of talent in Quebec,” commented Jonas Hjelm, Senior VP and Head of Saab’s aeronautics business area.

“During such unsure times within the industry, this partnership demonstrates that the aerospace industry in Quebec and Canada remains attractive and world-class […] I am convinced that CRIAQ’s academic, industrial and SME community, and the Quebec economy as well, will clearly benefit from this international collaboration,” added CRIAQ’s CEO, Alain Aubertin.

The ITB policy is the government’s main tool for leveraging procurement to create jobs and economic growth in Canada. Saab has submitted an offer for 88 GRIPEN E fighters for FFCP, and a core element of the industrial offering includes CAE in Montreal, who will supply training and mission systems solutions.