Saab Pitches Major Defense Package to Ottawa: 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs

Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has presented the Canadian government with a sweeping proposal to supply the Royal Canadian Air Force with a mixed fleet of fighter jets and surveillance Military-Aircraft. According to reporting by CBC News, the company has pledged to create 12,600 jobs in Canada, contingent on the federal government purchasing 72 Gripen E fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

The proposal comes at a critical juncture for Canadian defense procurement. While Ottawa finalized an agreement in 2022 to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35, the government has currently committed to an initial tranche of only 16 stealth fighters. Saab’s bid aims to secure the contract for the remaining 72 aircraft required to replace the aging CF-18 fleet, alongside a separate requirement for airborne early warning systems.

Breaking Down the Industrial Offer

The core of Saab’s pitch is a “Made in Canada” industrial strategy designed to bolster domestic aerospace sovereignty. CBC News reports that the Manufacturers promise of 12,600 jobs is split between the two major hardware components of the deal.

The Gripen E Program

Saab estimates that the production and sustainment of 72 Gripen E fighter jets would generate approximately 9,000 jobs. The Gripen E is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter known for its ability to operate in harsh environments and from dispersed locations, such as highways, features Saab argues are well-suited to Canada’s Arctic geography.

The GlobalEye Surveillance System

The second pillar of the proposal involves the GlobalEye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This portion of the bid carries significant domestic political weight because the GlobalEye system is mounted on the Global 6000/6500 business jet airframe, manufactured by Bombardier in Toronto.

According to the proposal details, the GlobalEye program would account for roughly 3,600 of the promised jobs. This Partnerships with Bombardier positions the bid as a direct boost to the aerospace sectors in Ontario and Quebec.

Strategic Context: The Mixed Fleet Debate

Saab’s proposal challenges the conventional military preference for a uniform fleet. Canada has already begun the process of integrating the F-35 Lightning II, a 5th-generation stealth fighter designed for seamless interoperability with United States and NATO forces. Critics of the Saab proposal argue that operating a “mixed fleet”, consisting of 16 F-35s and 72 Gripens, would create logistical hurdles, requiring duplicate training pipelines, supply chains, and maintenance crews.

However, proponents of the Saab bid suggest that the Gripen’s lower operating costs and full technology transfer could offset these inefficiencies. Unlike the F-35, which relies on a global support network controlled largely by the US, Saab is offering Canada full intellectual property rights for maintenance, allowing for complete sovereign control over the fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The timing of Saab’s offer appears calculated to leverage current geopolitical and economic anxieties. With trade tensions rising between Ottawa and Washington, there is a growing political appetite for defense solutions that reduce reliance on US supply chains. By tying the bid to Bombardier and promising thousands of high-tech jobs in key electoral provinces, Saab is framing the decision as one of economic stability and national sovereignty rather than purely military capability.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the GlobalEye targets a specific gap in Canada’s defenses. While the Air Force has selected the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for maritime patrol, the requirement for a dedicated AEW&C platform to support NORAD remains unfilled. The GlobalEye competes directly against the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which is already in use by key allies. Saab’s gamble is that the economic benefits of a Canadian-built airframe will outweigh the interoperability arguments favoring the Boeing alternative.

Potential Export Implications

Beyond domestic defense, the proposal outlines a vision for Canada to become a production hub for Saab’s export markets. Reports indicate that Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring the Gripen platform. Under Saab’s proposed model, Canadian facilities could potentially manufacture or assemble aircraft destined for third-party nations, effectively turning Canada into a significant exporter for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Canada’s F-35 order?
Canada selected the F-35 in 2022 and has committed to buying an initial batch of 16 aircraft. The full planned fleet size is 88 jets, leaving the remaining 72 subject to final government approval and Contracts issuance.

What is the GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye is an advanced airborne early warning system capable of simultaneous air, maritime, and ground surveillance. It uses the Erieye ER radar and is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe.

Why is a mixed fleet considered controversial?
Operating two different types of fighter jets (the F-35 and the Gripen) increases costs and complexity. It requires two separate sets of pilots, mechanics, spare parts, and training simulators, which military planners typically try to avoid.

Sources

• CBC News

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R “Romeo” to U.S. Navy

Lockheed Martin has officially delivered the 350th MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters to the United States Navy, marking a significant production milestone for the fleet’s primary anti-submarine warfare platform. According to a press release issued by the company on January 13, 2026, the ceremony took place at the Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, New York.

The aircraft is set to join Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM-41), the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. As the training unit for new naval aviators and aircrew, HSM-41 utilizes the latest airframes to ensure personnel are trained on the most current configurations before deploying to operational fleet squadrons.

This delivery underscores the longevity of the MH-60R program, which has served as the cornerstone of the Navy’s rotary-wing maritime strike capability since replacing legacy SH-60B and SH-60F fleets. Company officials emphasized that the platform is expected to remain in service well into the 2050s.

Production and Industrial Integration

The delivery highlights the complex logistical coordination required to produce the “Romeo” variant. The Manufacturing process spans two major industrial hubs in the Northeast. The base airframe is manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, in Stratford, Connecticut. Following the initial build, the “green” airframe is flown to Owego, New York, for final mission systems integration.

In Owego, engineers install the advanced sensors, radars, and Avionics that define the MH-60R’s operational capabilities. This facility employs over 2,500 people and serves as a critical economic driver for New York’s Southern Tier region. Ali Ruwaih, Vice President of Maritime Systems at Lockheed Martin, commented on the significance of the milestone in the company statement:

“The delivery of the 350th MH-60R helicopter is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of this aircraft and the dedication of our team. We are proud to support the U.S. Navy and our global partners with this highly advanced multi-mission platform.”

Operational Capabilities and Recent Performance

The MH-60R is widely regarded as the most advanced maritime helicopter currently in operation. Its primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). To execute these missions, the aircraft is equipped with a multi-mode Radar-Systems for automatic periscope detection, advanced airborne low-frequency dipping sonar, and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras.

According to verified program data, the helicopter’s weapons loadout typically includes AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for surface targets and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for subsurface threats. The cockpit features a fully digital “glass” interface with four flat-panel displays designed to reduce pilot workload during complex missions.

Combat Validation

Recent operational reports indicate that the MH-60R has validated its capabilities in high-intensity environments. The platform has been instrumental in the Red Sea, where it has successfully countered asymmetric threats. Reports confirm that “Romeo” helicopters have engaged armed small boats and neutralized hostile aerial Drones (UAVs), demonstrating versatility beyond traditional anti-submarine roles.

Future Roadmap and Modernization

Despite being a mature platform, the U.S. Navy has outlined a “Roadmap to 2045” to ensure the MH-60R remains relevant against evolving peer threats. Planned upgrades include the integration of Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection (DMAD) sensors, which detect submarines via magnetic disturbances, and a shift toward open software architecture. This “open” standard will allow the Navy to rapidly integrate new technologies without requiring extensive hardware overhauls.

Capt. William Hargreaves, the U.S. Navy H-60 Program Manager, highlighted the aircraft’s enduring role in the fleet:

“The MH-60R has been the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter since 2010… This true multi-mission asset has proven itself in all aspects of land or maritime operations.”

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of the 350th unit signals more than just a production achievement; it reinforces the U.S. Navy’s strategy of relying on proven, adaptable platforms rather than seeking immediate, high-risk replacements for rotary-wing assets. By investing in the “Roadmap to 2045” and Service Life Modernization (SLM) programs, the Navy is effectively betting that software upgrades and sensor integration will be more decisive in future conflicts than aerodynamic performance alone.

Furthermore, the continued production stability at Owego is vital for foreign military sales. With allies such as Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and India already operating the type, and future orders expected from nations like Norway and Spain, the MH-60R supply chain remains a critical component of Western naval interoperability.

Sources

Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Sweden Commits $440 Million to Unmanned Military Systems in Major Defense Overhaul

On January 12, 2026, the Swedish government announced a significant acceleration in its defense capabilities, committing SEK 4 billion (approximately $440 million) specifically for the procurement of unmanned drone systems. As reported by Reuters, this investment marks a pivotal shift in Sweden’s military strategy following its accession to NATO and the ongoing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson unveiled the package, emphasizing that the acquisition focuses on “mass and speed.” The initiative is designed to rapidly equip the Swedish Armed Forces with long-range attack drones, loitering munitions, and surveillance capabilities. According to government statements, deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, a timeline that officials note has been compressed by nearly eight years compared to traditional procurement cycles.

This move represents one of the most direct applications of “lessons learned” from modern high-intensity conflicts, where the ubiquity of sensors and the necessity of expendable mass have redefined combat operations.

Breakdown of the Investment Packages

While the headline figure focuses on the $440 million for drones, additional reporting and government releases clarify that this is part of a triad of simultaneous investments. It is critical to distinguish the specific funding streams to understand the scope of the modernization effort.

According to details released by the Swedish Ministry of Defence, the funding is allocated as follows:

• Unmanned Systems (SEK 4 Billion / ~$440 Million): The primary focus of the announcement. This funding is dedicated to acquiring offensive and reconnaissance drones, including loitering munitions often referred to as “kamikaze drones.”
• Counter-Drone Systems (SEK 3.5 Billion / ~$367 Million): A separate funding pot aimed at air defense. This investment focuses on protecting bases and infrastructure from enemy drone incursions.
• Military Satellites (SEK 1.3 Billion / ~$140 Million): Investment in space-based assets to ensure independent reconnaissance and secure communications.

The separation of these funds highlights a dual approach: Sweden is simultaneously building the capacity to launch drone attacks while fortifying its defenses against similar threats.

Targeted Capabilities and Hardware

The procurement strategy appears to favor a mix of proven international systems and emerging domestic technology. Based on recent testing by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and industry reports, several specific systems are likely candidates for these funds.

Loitering Munitions

Sweden is actively seeking “loitering munitions”, systems that can hover over a target area before striking. Industry observers note that the FMV has conducted tests with the Israeli-made UVision “Hero” series. These systems provide soldiers with the ability to strike beyond the line of sight with high precision.

Marine and Underwater Drones

Given Sweden’s strategic responsibility for the Baltic Sea, naval drones are a priority. Saab has been developing the Enforcer III, an unmanned surface vessel based on the Combat Boat 90 platform. Additionally, underwater systems like the Saab AUV62-MR are being deployed for mine reconnaissance and seabed mapping, a critical mission for protecting undersea cables and pipelines.

Counter-UAS Solutions

Funded by the separate SEK 3.5 billion package, Sweden has confirmed orders for the Saab Trackfire ARES. This system features a remote weapon station equipped with a 30mm chain gun and proximity-fuzed ammunition, designed to physically destroy incoming drones.

Strategic Context: The “Transparent Battlefield”

The driving force behind this investment is the concept of the “transparent battlefield,” where concealment is nearly impossible due to constant aerial surveillance. Defence Minister Pål Jonson was blunt in his assessment of the changing security landscape.

“The future battlefield will be characterized by unmanned systems and long-range capacity. Anyone who doesn’t understand that is going to be either dead or defeated.”

, Pål Jonson, Swedish Defence Minister (via Government.se)

As a new NATO member, Sweden is integrating its assets into the alliance’s northern flank. These unmanned systems will likely be used to monitor Russian naval activity in the Baltic Sea and provide early warning data to NATO command structures.

Expert Reactions

While the investment is substantial, some experts argue it may still be insufficient. Oscar Jonsson, a researcher at the Swedish Defence University, told reporters that while the strategic direction is correct, the volume of acquisition might not meet the demands of a full-scale conflict.

“We are doing pretty much what we always do. Buying expensive platforms in small numbers… [we need] mass.”

, Oscar Jonsson, Swedish Defence University

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift from Platforms to Payloads

This investment signals a profound doctrinal shift for Sweden. Historically, the Swedish military has relied on a small number of extremely high-tech, high-cost platforms, such as the Gripen fighter jet and the Visby-class corvette. The decision to spend nearly half a billion dollars on unmanned systems, many of which are designed to be expended (destroyed) upon use, acknowledges the “cost exchange dilemma.”

In modern warfare, using a multi-million dollar missile to shoot down a $20,000 drone is economically unsustainable. By investing in low-cost interceptors like the domestic Kreuger 100 and mass-produced loitering munitions, Sweden is attempting to align its cost curve with the realities of attrition warfare. We assess that this is likely just the first tranche of such funding, as NATO pressure mounts for member states to stockpile “consumable” munitions rather than just “prestige” platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new drone systems be operational?
Deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2028. The government claims this timeline has been accelerated by up to eight years compared to standard procedures.

Is this funding part of the NATO defense spending requirement?
Yes. These investments contribute to Sweden meeting and exceeding the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense.

What is the difference between the drone and counter-drone packages?
The SEK 4 billion drone package is for offensive and surveillance systems (attacking and seeing). The SEK 3.5 billion counter-drone package is for defensive systems (shooting down enemy drones).

Sources

• Reuters
• Swedish Government (Government.se)
• Saab AB
• Swedish Defence University