Pros for Saab

Saab confirmed that the promise of 12,600 jobs is linked to the sale of Gripen and GlobalEye aircraft to Canada.

By setting up factories in Canada, Saab would produce fighter jets and surveillance aircraft for both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the export market.

The GlobalEye aircraft would be produced in collaboration with Bombardier, whose Global 6500 jets offer the platform on which numerous surveillance systems and radars are installed. In Canada, the project is known as the airborne early warning and control (AEWAC) system.

Pros for Lockheed Martin

F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin says it also has significant economic benefits to offer in Canada, promising $15 billion in work if Canada maintains its full order. Discussions between the Canadian government and Lockheed Martin are ongoing, Joly said this week.

Cons for Saab

For now, Canada is preparing to receive 16 F-35s starting this year, and many military experts are raising questions about Canada’s ability to integrate two new fighter fleets at the same time. Defence industry experts are also saying that Saab’s jobs promises will need further scrutiny or explanations.

“We need to have a number that is based on military considerations, and that doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment. It seems that economic and political considerations are guiding this choice,” he said.

Cons for Lockheed Martin

That report, and others, have stated that while the US cannot remotely take control of the jets themselves, it can neglect to upgrade the software.

Therefore, when parts of the F-35 break or need repairs, they need help from American contractors. And that gives the U.S. leverage over its allies.