The Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter will appear in the Ukrainian payroll for the first time - information was revealed by Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine. When you see them in the sky of Ukraine, you will understand, he said but declined to disclose details about the time or number of the plane.
Ukraine has previously identified a list of the Western aircraft it hopes to receive: the F-16, Mirage and Gripen. For the F-16 and Mirage, the commitments from the US and France have become clearer. As for Gripen, this is the first time a senior Ukrainian leader has publicly confirmed that it is on the path to receiving a new plane.
However, up to now, the Swedish Government has refused to confirm the transfer of Gripen-E. According to a Swedish Defense Ministry spokesperson, the two countries are still negotiating to export Gripen, however, no official decision has been made.
Gripen is a 4+ generation multi-purpose fighter produced by Saab (Sweden), featuring low operating costs, the ability to operate from short-range or modified routes, and NATO compatible weapons. With a combat radius of about 1,500km and a weapons carrying of more than 7 tons, Gripen is suitable for chaotic combat environments.
The receipt of the Gripen would help Ukraine diversify its fighter jets, reducing dependence on one wing - which has become a challenge in the prolonged conflict. However, the coordination between many different types of aircraft also poses great challenges in pilot training, maintenance, logistics and integration of weapons systems.
In addition, there is a strategic factor: When Sweden joins NATO from 2024, providing Gripen to Ukraine will have great political and military significance, demonstrating Stockholm's commitment to supporting Kiev amid escalating tensions with Moscow.
However, there are many thorns in turning words into actions. The international export process, defense licenses, training and technical assistance from Sweden must be handled through many steps.
