NATO debates timing for Sweden's gripen jets to Ukraine

The discussion about strengthening the Ukrainian army with JAS 39 Gripen fighters has been ongoing for over a year. In November, it was revealed that Sweden's September aid package for Ukraine included components needed for the maintenance of these fighters, which was seen as "preparing the ground" for their transfer. They might already be in Ukraine if not for NATO's deliberate strategy.

The Alliance's command determined that the arrival of too many different combat aircraft simultaneously would not reinforce but rather complicate Ukraine's situation. It was decided to concentrate on delivering F-16 fighters and training pilots and personnel to operate them. This is also confirmed by recent statements from the Swedish defense minister, who remarked that "the donation of the Gripens is not in the hands of ourselves [Swedes - editor's note]."

Gen. Onno Eichelsheim is considered one of the best-informed individuals on this issue, as the Netherlands is among the countries most actively involved in the Western aviation coalition working to strengthen Ukraine's air forces. The Netherlands helps train pilots and provides F-16s and dedicated air-to-air missiles for them.

"In the long term, yes, [but] I think we have to avoid [giving] too many systems to Ukraine, because they have a shortage of pilots. So you have to avoid that you have more systems than pilots. Somewhere in the balance, you have to look at what capabilities are needed at this moment," said the chief of the Dutch armed forces, Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, in an interview with Breaking Defense.

Gen. Onno Eichelsheim stated frankly that during the initial phase of F-16 deliveries, the transfer of "French fighters and Swedish fighters … doesn’t make sense for me." He also referred to France's plans to supply Ukraine with several Mirage 2000-5 fighters.

The transfer of each additional type of aircraft requires numerous preliminary steps, including the necessary training of pilots and ground personnel. Moreover, it is emphasized that the F-16, Mirage 2000-5, and JAS 39 Gripen are capable of carrying different armaments.

The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen is often seen as a fighter tailored to Ukraine's needs due to several features that other Western combat aircraft do not possess. It is adapted to operate from improvised runways (roads about 2,625 feet long, and sometimes even shorter), and its ground maintenance is simpler than that of, for example, the F-16. The JAS 39 Gripen is also cheaper to operate than American fighters.