Ukraine's future air fleet: F-16s, Gripens and Rafales to form new combat aviation backbone
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is working on a large-scale program to develop its combat aviation. According to him, the goal is to form a fleet of 250 modern aircraft, including F-16s, Gripens, and Rafales, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a meeting with journalists on October 27.
Fleet of 250 aircraft — a strategic goal
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s goal is to create a full fleet of 250 new combat aircraft. This will form the basis for modernizing military aviation and ensure the country’s security for years to come.
"We are holding parallel talks with Sweden, France, and the US. The overall request is for a fleet of 250 new aircraft. That’s our future," he summarized.
The President also emphasized that transitioning to new aviation platforms will allow Ukraine not only to defend its skies more effectively but also to integrate its defense industry into Western technological standards.
Three platforms for Ukraine’s new aviation
The head of state reported that Ukraine is conducting parallel negotiations with Sweden, France, and the US regarding three types of combat aircraft — the F-16, Swedish Gripen, and French Rafale.
"We have settled on three platforms — F-16, Gripen, and Rafale. Considering the experience of our pilots and the enemy’s capabilities, this is the optimal choice for Ukraine," Zelenskyy noted.
The President stressed that Swedish Gripens are a priority for Ukraine since their maintenance is the least expensive, and pilot training takes only about six months. In addition, these jets can take off from highways and are compatible with most of the weapons Ukraine already uses.
"So, about the Gripen — you can attach everything to it. Probably almost everything Ukraine uses — missiles and other weapons — can all be fitted on it," Zelenskyy said.
150 Gripens for Ukraine
Separately, Zelenskyy announced that a preliminary agreement had been reached with Sweden on the supply and localized production of 150 Gripen aircraft.
"We agreed with Sweden that we will sign a contract, and Ukraine will have 150 new Gripens. It’s a long road, but a very good option. Most importantly, we agreed on localizing production. I believe this is a historic agreement," the president emphasized.
Gripen for Ukraine: what's known
As a reminder, on October 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Sweden had agreed to supply Ukraine with 120-150 of the latest Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets. The deal is long-term, as production of this modification has only just begun.
According to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first deliveries could begin in about three years.
Yesterday it was also reported that the Swedish defense company Saab is considering building a final assembly and testing plant for Gripen fighters in Ukraine.
