With the future of Canada’s fighter jet fleet being re-examined, CBC’s Murray Brewster breaks down the differences between the American F-35 and Sweden’s Gri...
The Gripen E is based on an American engine (F414). This means dependencies on licenses and authorizations. In a context of sovereignty, this is a point that needs to be addressed, not circumvented.
I wonder if a Canadian or European made engine is still possible. I guess anything is, at some a cost.
Investing in any aircraft with critical components controlled by Canada’s greatest current threat seems a poor strategy.
It seems that now they even proposed to transfer the software, and all servicing to be done in Canada, even for the engine (US made).
According to this brochure from SAAB:
But that’s from 2021, so maybe the current proposal is for a US made engine.
This from 2026 says:
I wonder if a Canadian or European made engine is still possible. I guess anything is, at some a cost.
Investing in any aircraft with critical components controlled by Canada’s greatest current threat seems a poor strategy.
Servicing of the engine would indeed be made in Canada: https://www.saab.com/markets/canada/press/saab-chooses-standardaero-to-maintain-gripen-engines-in-canada
You still need to purchase the engine and spare parts from GE.
I suppose Rolls Royce and Volvo could propose alternative engines, but I assume that’s as much dev, tests, certifications, so additional cost.
To my understanding, the plans for a Rolls-Royce engine have never moved forward and are not economical without a much larger market for the Gripens.