Ukraine's air force to get Gripens: Key capabilities of Swedish jets
Illustrative photo: Ukraine to receive Gripen (flickr by SAAB)
Ukraine intends to purchase Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, known as the Swedish griffin. These aircraft could compete with American F-16s and more.
More details about the Swedish Gripen can be found in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
What is known about the Gripen
The JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish fourth-generation multi-role fighter developed by Saab. Its name comes from the mythical griffin, symbolizing divine power.
The design work began in 1979, the first flight took place in 1988, and in 1997 the Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force. Nearly 250 aircraft have been produced, with costs ranging from $30 million to $60 million depending on the modification.
Photo: Swedish Gripen aircraft may appear in Ukraine (flickr by SAAB)
The fighter features a canard aerodynamic layout: control surfaces generate lift at any speed, while the delta wing compensates for negative lift at supersonic speeds. This design provides high maneuverability, stability during supersonic flight, and excellent takeoff and landing performance.
To reduce landing distance, the aircraft is equipped with powerful air brakes. Key systems, including the RM12 engine and PS-05/A radar, are modular, simplifying maintenance and upgrades.
A powerful turbofan engine with high bypass allows a top speed of 2,130 km/h and takeoff acceleration in 18 seconds. Initially, the aircraft had a limited weapons set, but it later gained the ability to use most European and American air-launched weapons: bombs, unguided rockets, and precision missiles for ground and naval targets.
Today, upgraded Gripen versions feature improved engines, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, and additional hardpoints. Beyond Sweden, the fighter is also operated in South Africa, Thailand, Brazil, Hungary, and Czechia.
Latest Gripen modification
The JAS 39 Gripen E is a modern, fourth-generation multi-role fighter developed by Saab. It is an advanced version of previous Gripen models, offering improved performance and capabilities.
Photo: There are several modifications of Gripen (flickr by SAAB)
Key specifications of the Gripen E:
Engine
Turbofan engine General Electric F414-GE-39E, providing up to 22,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. This engine delivers 25% more thrust compared to previous models, enhancing the aircraft's maneuverability and efficiency.
Radar
Active electronically scanned array (AESA) Raven ES-05, offering high accuracy and long-range target detection.
Weapons systems
The Gripen E has 10 hardpoints, allowing it to carry a wide range of weapons, including Meteor and IRIS-T missiles, as well as various air-to-ground and air-to-air bombs and missiles.
Avionics
Modern flight control and sensor systems provide a high degree of integration and automation. The cockpit features multifunction displays and voice-command control capabilities.
Mobility and support
The Gripen E is designed for efficient combat operations in various climates and can operate from airfields with limited infrastructure, making it highly versatile for diverse operational environments.
The Gripen E is already in service with the Swedish Air Force and is used by other countries, including Brazil and Czechia. It continues to evolve and undergo modernization to meet current multi-role fighter requirements.
Gripen for Ukraine
On October 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a memorandum of intent allowing Ukraine to purchase the latest Gripen fighter jets.
Under the memorandum, Ukraine will be able to buy up to 150 Gripen E fighters.
According to Zelenskyy, the first Gripen jets could be delivered to Ukraine as early as next year.
The Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine chose these aircraft for purchase for several reasons.
