The MoU is conditional on the Government of Canada proceeding with the acquisition of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for the Royal Canadian Air Force. If selected, Magellan would provide in-country engine sustainment services from its Mississauga facility.
“Today’s MOU signing builds on a six-decade relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan that spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force has access to engine sustainment services in country to ensure readiness of the F414 engines,” said Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace.
Under the agreement, GE Aerospace would provide training and license Magellan as Canada’s domestic centre of excellence for F414 engine sustainment. The work would cover MRO services intended to support readiness, availability and long-term performance of a potential RCAF F414 fleet.
“This MOU reflects our shared intent to build enduring sovereign aerospace capabilities in Canada,” said Haydn Martin, Magellan’s Vice President, Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts. “Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity.”
The companies said the initiative would extend Magellan’s role in providing Canada with sovereign capability for advanced military engine support. It would also keep specialised maintenance expertise, infrastructure and skilled technical personnel inside Canada.
The proposed capability would support Canada’s defence industrial base under the “build, partner, buy” guidance described in the Defence Industrial Strategy. GE Aerospace and Magellan framed the agreement around a critical element of any future Canadian air combat capability involving the Gripen E.
The F414 engine has recorded more than five million flight hours. GE Aerospace said it continues to exceed goals for reliability, durability and time on wing.
The engine provides unrestricted performance on demand, rapid throttle response and zero throttle restrictions. Its six-module architecture is designed for ease of maintenance and interchangeability to help keep life-cycle costs low.
GE Aerospace said the F414 has no scheduled overhauls and uses on-condition maintenance to maximise engine availability. More than 1,600 F414 engines have been delivered to eight nations.
