Ukraine could receive multiple versions of Sweden’s deadly Gripen fighters
President of Ukraine Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Sweden Kristersson next to a Gripen aircraft (Photo: Getty Images)
Today, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will announce the transfer of Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine at a press conference at the Uppland Air Force Base in Uppsala. The aircraft in question are of the C/D modification, reports the Swedish portal Aftonbladet.
Negotiations will also begin regarding the future sale of additional, more modern Gripen E aircraft to Ukraine. According to the information, Ukraine will pay for these jets using EU credits.
Last year, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that could lead to a deal for 100–150 Gripen aircraft.
Specifications of the Gripen fighter
This fighter was specifically designed for conditions that closely resemble Ukraine’s current realities. Its main feature is the ability to operate from dispersed bases.
The fighter can take off and land even on regular highway sections and short runways. In addition to mobility, the Gripen stands out for its fast servicing with a minimal number of personnel.
For air-to-air missions, full refueling and rearming takes less than 10 minutes, and for ground-attack missions, less than 20 minutes.
What makes the Gripen E modification interesting
This modification is equipped with a General Electric F414G engine, providing speeds up to 2,500 km/h and a combat radius of over 800 kilometers.
The Raven ES-05 detection system, with an active electronically scanned array (AESA), can spot targets at long ranges even under heavy enemy electronic warfare.
The aircraft can carry Meteor missiles with a range of over 100 kilometers, giving it an advantage over Russian interceptors.
How Ukraine and Sweden negotiated the Gripen
Earlier information emerged that Ukraine and Sweden could sign an agreement on the Gripen as early as this year. Under this plan, the parties would finalize the contract terms and a financing plan for the purchase of the fighters for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Also, in the fall of last year, Sweden clarified when it could begin delivering Gripen E jets to Ukraine. It was reported at the time that the first aircraft could become available to Ukrainian pilots within three years after the signing of all necessary documents.
