Saab CEO Micael Johansson says that the multi-billion dollar deal with Colombia, where a total of 17 Jas Gripen planes will be delivered, is important for Saab as it creates a long-term perspective in production.
Then hopefully it creates some ripples in Latin America, but it also attracts attention worldwide.
The first fighter jets are due to be delivered to Colombia in 2028, but the project is set to deliver certain milestones as early as next year. The company's sharply increased order intake has raised questions about production capacity going forward.
"It is clear that we will be able to deliver the aircraft we have contracted for now over the next few years. I see no problem with that whatsoever," says Johansson.
New hub
Even before the contract with Colombia was signed, Saab has invested to increase production in Sweden and Brazil. In Linköping, production will increase to between 20 and 30 fighter jets per year. Saab CEO Micael Johansson says at the same time that he believes that more production lines will be needed if more large-scale deals, such as the one with Ukraine, are completed.
We are of course looking at this based on volumes and which countries are interested in the Gripen deal, and that is ideally where we want to establish a new hub.
In connection with Ukraine's announcement of its intention to purchase Gripen aircraft, Saab announced that it may be possible to have production on site in the country. Saab CEO Micael Johansson says that Canada could also be an option if they decide to invest in Gripen aircraft.
But nothing has been decided in any of these other countries, right now we have Sweden and Brazil.
State visit to Canada
This week, Saab CEO Micael Johansson will participate in a state visit to Canada. He says ahead of the visit that he is aware that the country is evaluating whether to order other fighter jets in addition to the already contracted American F-35s. He emphasizes at the same time that there is no hard connection between that and the state visit.
We have answered a lot of questions and submitted information and then it is up to Canada to decide at some point, he says, adding:
I have no idea when the Prime Minister will decide which path he wants to take regarding fighter jets.
