The world’s best? What 250 Gripen and Rafale jets Ukraine wants can really do

Read also: Ukraine's future air fleet: F-16s, Gripens and Rafales to form new combat aviation backbone

Key points

• Ukraine plans to build a fleet of modern fighter jets, Gripen and Rafale. This would be an adequate number to counter 300–400 Russian aircraft.
• For a fleet of 250 jets, Ukraine would need to train about 750 qualified pilots (assuming 3 pilots per aircraft).
• Both jets can carry Meteor air-to-air missiles (range up to 300 km), SCALP, Storm Shadow, and various air-dropped bombs.
• The Gripen is versatile, capable of taking off from short runways. The Rafale is more powerful but also more expensive to operate.

Last weekend, while speaking with students at the Kyiv Aviation Institute, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has agreements to receive new combat aircraft — specifically Swedish Gripen and French Rafale jets.

Overall, according to the head of state, the plan is to form a fleet of approximately 250 modern fighter jets.

"These are the best aircraft, in our view, in the world," the president said.

Against this background, RBC-Ukraine asked an aviation expert about the differences between Gripen and Rafale and their potential benefits for Ukraine’s air force.

Rafale – Powerful but more expensive

The French Rafale belongs to the 4++ generation fighter class and is considered one of the most expensive in its segment:

• It is a heavy aircraft, weighing around 24.5 tons.

• It can carry 9–9.5 tons of combat load.

• It has one of the most powerful radar systems in the world.

• Its operating cost is $20,000–$25,000 per hour (roughly similar to the F-16).

Gripen – Focus on efficiency and mobility

The Swedish Gripen has different characteristics and key advantages:

• Weight: 14–16 tons

• Combat load: around 7 tons

• Operating cost: $6,000–$7,000 per hour

• Can take off from short runways

• Aircraft are easier to disperse across the country, which is important in wartime

Therefore, when it comes to cost-effectiveness, the Gripen may be a more practical choice.

When aircraft deliveries might happen

The expert notes that agreements on Western fighter jets are correct and reasonable, but their implementation is not a matter of the near future.

Kryvolap does not rule out the possibility of receiving a small squadron of Gripen jets equipped with Meteor missiles as early as March this year, which would allow Ukraine to repel Russian Su-37 bombers armed with KABs (guided aerial bombs).

In addition, the possibility of producing some Gripen components in Ukraine is being discussed.

Is 250 aircraft a large number?

Previously, the Air Force assessed the need for 128 aircraft in peacetime.

However, in wartime, when 300–400 Russian bombers and fighters are operating around Ukraine, the demand is higher, Kryvolap notes. Therefore, a fleet of 250 jets is not excessive.

"The figure of 250 aircraft is not something so extraordinary that it would create a surplus," the aviation expert said.

He also adds that this requires a corresponding number of pilots.

"Because if we multiply 250 by 3, that will be the number of pilots who need to be ready to operate them," Kryvolap noted.

Pilot training for Gripen and Rafale

Training programs for the Gripen and Rafale are similar: retraining an experienced pilot takes about 6–9 months, or up to 18 months at a slower pace.

Overall, the stages of training, including the use of weapons, are the same, but everything depends on the specifics of weapon application. Thus, both aircraft are versatile and effective, the aviation expert says. However, there is a nuance.

"Rafale is more powerful, but also more expensive, and it has an excellent radar system—it is considered the best in the world because it can 'see' far. With the Gripen, it’s a question of cost-effectiveness. I think Gripen suits us better," the expert concluded.

FAQ

What are the main differences between Gripen and Rafale?

Rafale is heavy, powerful, and has one of the best radar systems in the world, but it is very expensive to operate. Gripen is lighter, more economical, can take off from short runways, and is easier to disperse.

What weapons can the jets carry?

Meteor (air-to-air missiles); long-range cruise missiles SCALP and Storm Shadow; air-dropped bombs.

Will we receive these fighter jets soon?

This is not a matter of weeks. Initially, there may be a small squadron of Gripen jets, but mass deliveries and forming a fleet of 250 aircraft is a long-term process.

How many pilots are needed?

For a fleet of 250 aircraft, Ukraine would need to train about 750 qualified pilots (assuming 3 pilots per aircraft).

Is 250 aircraft a lot for Ukraine in wartime?

No. Previously, the Air Force estimated the need at 128 aircraft for peacetime. In a full-scale war, given the size of the enemy’s air force, 250 jets is not an excessive number.

Which fighter jet is better suited for Ukraine?

Rafale is more powerful with a better radar system, but Gripen is more economical and practical for Ukrainian conditions.

What aircraft are currently in Ukraine’s inventory?

Ukraine currently operates Soviet aircraft such as MiG-29, Su-27, Su-24, older Western-made F-16s, and French Mirage 2000. Poland plans to transfer used MiG-29 jets being retired from service in exchange for drones.

At the same time, Ukraine is implementing a large-scale program to develop its combat aviation, aiming to form a fleet of 250 modern aircraft, including F-16s, Gripen, and Rafale.

During President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Sweden on October 22, 2025, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the two sides had signed a declaration of intent to sell Kyiv 100–150 modern Gripen E-series jets.

On November 17 of the same year, Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a declaration of intent to strengthen Ukraine’s air force and air defense. The document provides for possible contracts for about 100 French Rafale jets for Ukraine.