Canada has received its first two F-35A fighter aircraft, but uncertainty over its planned 88-aircraft purchase continues. With the CF-18 Hornet fleet approaching retirement in 2032, Ottawa faces pressure to finalise its replacement strategy while evaluating Saab’s Gripen E proposal and preparing for future sixth-generation combat aircraft.
SAAB
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed an MoU to explore next-generation combat-air cooperation in Canada, three months after Ottawa gained observer status in GCAP. The agreement creates potential industrial opportunities as Canada strengthens its defence aerospace sector and Germany considers joining the sixth-generation fighter programme.
The United States introduced the first operational fifth-generation fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, in 2005.
Saab will develop a replacement flight computer for the Gripen fighter family under a 1.3 billion Swedish kronor contract.
Portugal is weighing the F-35A against the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen E as it considers replacing its aging F-16 fleet. The decision will depend on operational capability, lifecycle costs, NATO interoperability, industrial benefits and long-term defense strategy.
The first Gripen E fighter assembled in Brazil by Embraer has completed its maiden flight, marking a major step in the country’s effort to establish an indigenous production capability for advanced supersonic combat aircraft.
Dassault Aviation has flight-tested two sovereign artificial intelligence algorithms aboard its Rafale fighter jet as France advances work on AI-supported combat aircraft capabilities.
Saab unveils the first Gripen F fighter for Brazil, enhancing pilot training, combat readiness, and defence cooperation.
NATO Support and Procurement Agency has reportedly selected a Swedish-Canadian solution to replace its aging airborne early warning fleet, signaling a major shift in defense procurement strategy.
Brazil has achieved a major milestone in aerospace manufacturing as Embraer, in partnership with Saab and the Brazilian Air Force, officially presented the first Gripen E fighter jet produced locally.