Saab's gripen jets poised for Ukrainian Air Force boost
According to the portal Breaking Defense, the management of Saab Corporation is very optimistic about the prospect of sending JAS-39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine. These aircraft are often described as ideal for the Ukrainian Air Force due to their features and capabilities.
During the Munich Security Conference, the president of the Swedish corporation, Micael Johansson, stated that the best option would be to conclude a long-term agreement allowing Ukrainian pilots to begin training in Sweden. This would be followed by the delivery of the first squadron of Swedish JAS-39C/D planes to Ukraine "sooner rather than later," and subsequently, the newer JAS-39E/F models (currently prepared only for Sweden and Brazil).
JAS-39 Gripen for Ukraine? The manufacturer says yes
“Without drawing hasty conclusions [at the political level], I hope it happens,” said Micael Johansson.
The Ukrainian agency Unian notes that this unexpected declaration serves as a reminder that the Swedish fighter was previously considered a potential reinforcement for the Ukrainian air forces. In November 2024, one of the Swedish aid packages even included spare parts needed to service 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighters, which was unequivocally seen as "paving the way" for their future transfer. However, NATO countries decided that the priority should be F-16 fighters, and too many Alliance aircraft handed over to the defending army could cause significant confusion in its ranks. Besides the F-16, Ukraine already has several French Mirage 2000-5F fighters.
An aircraft that Ukraine needs?
The JAS-39 Gripen is a single-engine fighter with delta wings and a canard configuration. The aircraft measures about 46 feet in length, can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 (about 1,324 mph), and operate at altitudes up to 59,000 feet. It comes standard with a Mauser BK-27 27mm cannon but is also adapted to carry various types of mounted missiles and bombs, including AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles.
It stands out with several features not present in other Western fighters. The Swedish aircraft can operate from improvised runways, such as simple road sections measuring several hundred feet in length. It is also considered cheaper to operate than, for example, the F-16 and significantly easier for ground crews to manage.
These features were highlighted by Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, a former Ukrainian military pilot. The British think-tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) also described the JAS-39 Gripen as "by far the most appropriate candidate" for a Western combat aircraft for Ukraine in one of its reports.
