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Defence Watch recently noted that Saab’s Gripen E, the next generation of that fighter jet, made its first flight on June 15. That is a major development for the plane. Deliveries are set for 2019.

Sweden and Brazil have purchased the Gripen E.

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Sixty E models will be acquired by Sweden’s Air Force, while Brazil is buying 36 jets, including eight of the twin-seat F versions.

Ever since that item was published, I had been receiving the occasional email from some readers wondering why a country of Canada’s standing in the global aerospace industry (5th largest) can’t design and manufacture its own advanced fighter jet?

“How can Sweden with a population of fewer than 10 million people manage to design, build and sell a world-class fighter jet while Canada cannot?,” asked one reader.

An interesting question for sure.

Photo above: Gripen E in flight. Photo courtesy of Saab.