Ukraine to receive Swedish Gripen fighters with long-range Meteor missiles – Official
Photo: JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet (Getty Images)
Ukraine will receive the first batch of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets equipped with long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, according to a statement by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
"This is not just another reinforcement of aviation. It is another step toward a qualitatively new architecture of our defense. But most importantly, Gripen aircraft armed with Meteor missiles will become the 'long arm' of our aviation, allowing us to push Russian KAB (guided aerial bomb) carriers away from the front line," he emphasized.
Palisa noted that this is an "invaluable reinforcement" both for Ukrainian aviation and for the protection of infantry.
"The Gripen was designed for warfare in which aviation must operate quickly and adaptively, from various forward operating airfields, in a complex air defense environment and under constant pressure from the adversary. This is exactly the kind of war that is taking place in Ukraine today," said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.
He added that Swedish Gripen aircraft will give Ukraine more tools to combat enemy aviation, missiles, drones, and strike assets of the aggressor state.
What is known about Meteor
Meteor is a long-range air-to-air missile and one of the most dangerous weapons in aerial combat in the world. Its engagement range exceeds 120 km, and the maximum can reach up to 200 km.
The missile is equipped with a ramjet engine, which allows it not to lose speed and energy at the end of its flight, unlike most similar systems. Even if the target maneuvers, the probability of a successful hit remains very high.
Meteor is capable of shooting down fighter jets, bombers, missile carriers, and even large drones. This is especially dangerous for Russian Su-35 and Su-30 aircraft, as well as A-50 airborne early warning aircraft that coordinate Russia’s attacks.
Today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C and D fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge. In addition, Kyiv will purchase 22 new aircraft of the latest modification.
The Gripen deal had been discussed even before the official signing. Details of the preliminary agreements were previously revealed by RBC-Ukraine.
