Sweden primed to boost Ukraine with record military aid
On March 31, the Swedish government announced its 19th military aid package for Ukraine. Analysts point to the listed elements, which suggest that the awaited aircraft are getting closer to being sent to Ukraine.
The value of the latest Swedish aid package is 16 billion kronor (approximately $1.5 billion). This is a record financial package that this Scandinavian country has decided to provide to Ukraine.
Swedish aircraft soon to reach Ukraine?
Defense Express analysts note that the official communications highlighted the main elements funded from the 16 billion kronor pool. Most of the funds will be spent on purchasing weapons and military equipment, including ammunition, air defense systems, armored vehicles, satellite communication systems, and infantry equipment. When choosing specific suppliers, Swedish, Scandinavian, and European companies will be prioritized.
Certain amounts will be allocated to international aid programs for Ukraine and to armaments and equipment that Sweden will supply from its own stocks. In this context, analysts point primarily to mysteriously sounding references to "various types of airbase handling equipment."
In their opinion, this suggests an imminent transfer of Saab 340 AEW&C early warning and control aircraft or Gripen fighters. The first signs of "laying the groundwork" for such a move were already visible in 2024, when spare parts for 14 Gripen fighters were sent to Ukraine as part of another aid package.
A fighter jet perfectly tailored for Ukraine?
The JAS‑39 Gripen is a single-engine multirole fighter capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 2 (approximately 1,335 mph) and operating at altitudes of up to 59,000 feet. It is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon and adapted to carry various types of missiles and bombs. The list of compatible armaments for this Swedish machine includes AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and even Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles.
According to many experts and analysts, the JAS‑39 Gripen is the fighter jet that best meets the needs of Ukrainians. It is cheaper to operate than, for example, the F-16, and it is also adapted to operate from improvised runways, being able to take off and land on simple road sections several hundred feet long. Former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson estimates the JAS‑39 Gripen to be a better machine than even the F-35, although it does not offer stealth properties (reduced detectability) compared to this American fighter.
The Saab 340 AEW&C, on the other hand, is an early warning and control aircraft equipped with the Erieye AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) phased array radar. Currently, Ukraine does not possess this type of aircraft. Previous statements from Swedish politicians indicated that it could count on two Saab 340 AEW&C.
