Ukraine and Sweden Negotiate Transfer of Gripen Fighters Aircraft.

Ukraine and Sweden are currently in discussions regarding the transfer of Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Kyiv, according to Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
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The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole aircraft designed by the Swedish manufacturer Saab. (Picture source: SAAB)

"This topic is constantly raised by my president with the Swedish leadership. This has been the case even before Sweden joined NATO. Understandably, they were hesitant to make commitments while finalizing their NATO membership. Now that Sweden is part of NATO, my president is once again engaging in discussions with the Swedish Prime Minister, and our Ministry of Defense is in talks with the relevant Swedish authorities. These fighters are as capable as the F-16, and we are progressing towards their acquisition," Zhovkva stated.

Previously, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström mentioned that Sweden had refrained from supplying fighters to Ukraine due to the complexity of implementing two different fighter systems simultaneously — the F-16 and the Gripen. However, he noted that Sweden remains open to providing these capabilities to Kyiv.

"Sweden and its government have no restrictions on these discussions following the introduction of the F-16. The decision was made by the Ukrainian government, not by the Swedish government," Billström clarified.

Discussions between Ukraine and Sweden regarding the potential transfer of Swedish-made Saab Gripen fighters began last year. Stockholm subsequently announced that it would evaluate the feasibility of sending these aircraft to Kyiv. In May 2024, Sweden paused its plans to dispatch Gripen fighters to ensure the successful introduction of the F-16s.

In February, a pilot from the Phantom Air Force stated that, alongside the F-16s, the Gripen could significantly bolster Ukrainian aviation.

"This is a very modern aircraft that has undergone numerous upgrades. The current Swedish Air Force fleet can suppress enemy air defenses, deliver precise strikes, and use standoff weapons — that is, hitting targets from a distance that keeps the aircraft safe," the pilot explained.

Ukraine and Sweden are currently in discussions regarding the transfer of Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Kyiv. (Picture source: SAAB)

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole aircraft designed by the Swedish manufacturer Saab. This combat aircraft is renowned for its versatility and capability to perform various missions, including air strikes, ground attacks, and reconnaissance missions. Entered into service in 1996, the Gripen is still in production and operational today. Since its first flight on December 9, 1988, more than 180 units have been delivered out of a total of 306 ordered.

The Gripen is available in different crew configurations: the C and E versions are single-seaters, while the D and F versions are two-seaters. The aircraft's primary propulsion is provided by a Volvo Aero RM12 turbofan engine, with a thrust of 50.4 kN that can reach 80.5 kN with afterburner. The E and F versions of the Gripen are equipped with the General Electric F414 engine, offering enhanced thrust up to 98 kN with afterburner.

In terms of dimensions, the Gripen has a wingspan of 8.4 meters, which increases to 8.6 meters for the E and F models. Its standard length is 14.1 meters, reaching 15.9 meters for the F version. The aircraft's height is 4.5 meters, and its wing area ranges from 25.54 m² to 31.1 m² for the E and F versions.

The empty weight of the Gripen is 6,600 kg, while the Gripen E weighs 6,990 kg. With armament, the weight rises to 8,720 kg, and up to 11,000 kg for the E and F versions. The maximum takeoff weight is 13,971 kg, and 16,500 kg for the E and F versions.

The aircraft's performance is also impressive. It can reach a cruising speed of Mach 1.1, or Mach 1.2 for the E and F versions, with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h (Mach 2). The operational ceiling is 15,000 meters, and 15,800 meters for the E and F models. The Gripen's range is 800 km, extended to 1,300 km for the E and F versions. It can withstand load factors ranging from -3 to +9g.

The Gripen's armament includes an internal 27 mm cannon. Externally, it can carry up to 4,200 kg of payload on six pylons and two wingtip missile rails. The NG version can transport up to 5,300 kg of payload distributed over eight pylons and two wingtip missile rails.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a modern and efficient combat aircraft, designed to meet a variety of missions with high performance and flexible armament capabilities, making it a strategic choice for many air forces worldwide.

Ultimately, we might see the Gripen flying side by side with the F-16 among the Ukrainian Air Force. However, these negotiations are not yet advanced, and there could still be another twist in the story. This is an evolving situation to watch.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a modern and efficient combat aircraft, designed to meet a variety of missions with high performance and flexible armament capabilities. (Picture source: SAAB)