Swedish Gripen jets become top priority for Ukraine's air defense
Photo: Swedish Gripen fighter jet (Getty Images)
Ukraine and Sweden are preparing to sign contracts for the supply of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The aircraft has officially been identified as one of the top priorities for strengthening Ukraine’s Air Force, according to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry.
Key features of the Gripen fighter jets
The Swedish-made Gripen was specifically designed for conditions very similar to the realities of the war in Ukraine. One of the aircraft’s main advantages is its ability to operate from dispersed locations.
The fighter jet can take off and land on ordinary highways and short runways. This helps protect aircraft from strikes on airfield infrastructure, as it becomes harder for the enemy to locate the jets.
In addition to mobility, the Gripen is known for requiring only a minimal number of personnel for maintenance. For air-to-air missions, full refueling and rearming take less than 10 minutes, while preparation for ground attack missions requires under 20 minutes.
Features of the Gripen E variant
Ukraine is particularly interested in the Gripen E version. The aircraft is powered by a General Electric F414G engine, allowing speeds of up to 2,500 km/h and a combat radius exceeding 800 kilometers.
Its Raven ES-05 radar with active electronically scanned array technology can detect targets at long range, even under intense enemy electronic warfare interference.
The jet is also equipped with the Saab Arexis electronic warfare system. The aircraft can carry up to 7.2 tons of combat payload.
It is also capable of carrying Meteor missiles with a range exceeding 100 kilometers, giving it an advantage over Russian interceptor aircraft.
Ukraine and Sweden are in talks over Gripen jets
Earlier reports suggested Ukraine and Sweden could sign a Gripen agreement as early as this year. Under the proposed plan, both sides would finalize the contract terms and financing model for the fighter jet purchase.
Last autumn, Sweden also clarified when deliveries of Gripen E jets to Ukraine could begin. At the time, officials said the first aircraft could arrive within three years after all required agreements are signed.
Swedish officials have repeatedly highlighted the fighter’s technical advantages, especially its ability to operate from short runways and roads. That capability is seen as critically important for protecting Ukrainian airspace amid ongoing Russian attacks on airfield infrastructure.
