Magellan Aerospace signs memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saab to explore Gripen manufacturing opportunities in Canada

Magellan Aerospace Corporation today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saab to explore local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures and structural assemblies in Canada, should the Government of Canada select the Gripen to be part of the Royal Canadian Air Force's future fighter capability.

Building on Magellan's decades of leadership in high-performance aerospace manufacturing and advanced engineering in Canada, this MoU creates a framework for the companies to identify potential areas of cooperation that could strengthen Canada's defence-industrial base and establish enduring aerospace capabilities. Potential work packages include the production of complex structural units and composite wing skins, as well as engineering, industrialization and production activities related to external fuel tanks.

The scope, responsibilities and allocation of any future work would be subject to further agreement between the companies and to Canada's procurement decision.

"Magellan Aerospace has a proud, long-standing history of manufacturing excellence in Canada, supporting the country's aerospace and defence sector with cutting-edge technology and skilled talent," said Haydn Martin, Vice President Business Development, Magellan Aerospace. "This MoU reflects our commitment to exploring how we can deliver robust industrial and technological benefits to Canada, driving high-tech advanced manufacturing jobs and reinforcing Canada's sovereign aerospace and defence capabilities."

"This agreement with Magellan is part of our long-term ambition to develop a new industrial ecosystem around Gripen in Canada. If we succeed together, it will not only support Canada's sovereign Gripen capability, but also contribute to the worldwide Gripen fleet for decades to come," said Johan Segertoft, Head of Saab Business Unit Gripen.

The proposed collaboration remains subject to the Government of Canada's official procurement decisions regarding its future fighter capability requirements. Both companies remain committed to working alongside Canadian industry, educational institutions and regional hubs to expand the nation's defence industrial capacity.