Ukraine Seeks to Strengthen Air Force with Mirage 2000, Gripen, and Eurofighter Fighters.

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities, Ukraine is actively working to replace its aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft with more modern Western technology. After securing commitments for the delivery of American F-16s, Ukraine is now negotiating the acquisition of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen and European Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets.
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Several European nations, including Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, currently operate Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft (Picture source: Saab)

This plan is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion. Defense Minister Rustem Umierov confirmed these developments during a televised interview, stressing the importance of acquiring these advanced platforms to ensure air superiority over Russian forces.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft produced by the Swedish company Saab. It was designed to replace the older Draken and Viggen models in the Swedish Air Force. Production began in 1996, and the aircraft is currently in service in several countries, including Sweden, Hungary, and Thailand. The Gripen is highly versatile, capable of performing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. It is equipped with advanced avionics and a PS-05/A radar system. The aircraft is valued for its agility, low operational costs, and multirole capabilities.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine multirole fighter developed by a European consortium consisting of EADS, Alenia Aeronautica, and BAE Systems. It entered service in 2003 and is currently used by countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. The Typhoon is known for its flexibility, ability to carry out air superiority missions as well as ground attacks. With advanced avionics, the CAPTOR radar, and high-speed performance, it is considered one of Europe’s most advanced fighters.

Umierov clarified that Ukraine has already received commitments from its allies for French Mirage 2000 jets, after similar agreements regarding American F-16s. He expressed hope that the ongoing negotiations for the Gripen and Eurofighter would soon yield results, enabling Ukraine to further modernize its air force. These advanced fighters are seen as crucial for strengthening both the defensive and offensive capabilities of the country, particularly against a Russian air fleet estimated to have around 300 aircraft and helicopters.

These advanced fighters are seen as crucial for strengthening both the defensive and offensive capabilities of the country, particularly against a Russian air fleet estimated to have around 300 aircraft and helicopters. (Picture source: Eurofighter)

The transition from Soviet-era aircraft, such as the MiG-29, to more advanced jets like the Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of pilot training. The complexity of these modern fighters requires extensive training, which could take several months to over a year.

This process includes mastering the flight systems, and operational capabilities, and managing the infrastructure and logistical demands associated with these new platforms. Given the current conflict, Ukraine does not have the luxury of time, making the training and integration of these aircraft a major obstacle. Any delay in their deployment affects Ukraine’s ability to challenge Russian air dominance.

Several European nations, including Sweden, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, currently operate Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. While no official commitments have been made, there is speculation that these nations could potentially supply these fighters to Ukraine in the future.

Diplomatic and military cooperation between Ukraine and its European allies continues to strengthen, raising the possibility of future agreements for the transfer of advanced aircraft, following the model seen with other Western military systems already supplied to Ukraine.