# Canada Reviews Fighter Procurement Options

Canada is reviewing its fighter procurement plans, including the paused acquisition of 88 F-35As valued at CAD $27.7 billion, with a decision expected by the end of 2026. Against that backdrop, Saab named proposed Canadian industrial partners for Gripen E production, training, and sustainment on October 27, while Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an exploratory combat-air collaboration MOU announced October 28. Canada is also an observer in GCAP, but no Canadian workshare, Gripen selection, new solicitation, or funded contract is confirmed. These developments create possible supply-chain pathways, not committed work.

- The F-35 review is the near-term procurement decision shaping the market; firms should distinguish the existing F-35 commitment from the unresolved aircraft plan and conditional Gripen proposal.
- Saab’s proposed Canadian roles include assembly, structures, training, and mission systems. Bombardier and BAE identified potential areas such as design, systems integration, digital engineering, and advanced manufacturing, but neither announcement specifies contract values or award timelines.
- Canadian aerospace suppliers can assess whether their capabilities align with these proposed work areas, while treating participation as contingent on government decisions and subsequent commercial arrangements.
- Separately, Canada and Saab are negotiating a possible six-aircraft GlobalEye acquisition; industrial participation remains undefined.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 31, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government of Canada
- Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

### Vendors
- Saab (Prospective Gripen E aircraft supplier)
- Lockheed Martin (Prime contractor for the F-35A procurement)
- Bombardier (MOU signatory exploring future combat-air collaboration)
- BAE Systems (MOU signatory exploring future combat-air collaboration)
- CAE (Proposed Gripen E training and mission-systems provider)

### Key Quotes
> This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air.
> — Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems Air

> That is why we’re looking, indeed, at the Gripen.
> — Mélanie Joly, Industry Minister

### Sources
- [Canada Joins GCAP 6th-Gen Fighter Program as Observer, Bombardier Deal and More - Aviation A2Z](https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/11/01/canada-joins-gcap-6th-gen-fighter-program-as-observer-bombardier-deal-and-more) - Aviation A2Z
- [Canadian firms line up for potential GCAP, Gripen work - Breaking Defense](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/10/canadian-firms-line-up-for-potential-gcap-gripen-work) - Breaking Defense
- [Bombardier and BAE Systems to collaborate on advanced air combat capabilities for Canada - FlightGlobal](https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026/10/bombardier-and-bae-systems-to-collaborate-on-advanced-air-combat-capabilities-for-canada) - FlightGlobal