Why the underrated JAS 39 Gripen could be ukraine's ace
According to former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson, the F-35 fighter jets, ordered by many countries worldwide, are not necessarily the best option. The expert highlights the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen, which he describes as often underrated. In recent months, they have been considered a potential reinforcement for Ukraine.
The JAS-39 Gripen is a single-engine multirole fighter produced by SAAB. Its user base is quite limited in Europe, consisting only of the air forces of Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Reuben F. Johnson believes that despite the numerous advantages of this aircraft, its limited sales on a broader international scale are puzzling, especially when compared to the U.S.-made F-16 and F-35 fighters.
Expert opinion on JAS 39 Gripen fighters
Comparing the JAS 39 Gripen with the F-35, Reuben F. Johnson emphasized that the Swedish fighter has a better quality-to-price ratio. It also features lower operating costs, adaptability to various weapon systems, and unique capabilities, such as operating from improvised runways.
"It has the lowest cost-per-flight hour of any other combat aircraft in service with any NATO air force. It is the only fighter in the world designed for and capable of dispersing off main air bases and conducting operations from highway airstrips, which reduces vulnerability in wartime," Reuben F. Johnson assesses.
Will JAS 39 Gripen appear over Ukraine?
The JAS 39 Gripen measures about 46 feet and can reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (about 1,324 mph). The Swedish aircraft can operate at altitudes of up to 59,000 feet.
The standard armament includes the Mauser BK-27 cannon with a caliber of 27 mm. Additionally, the JAS 39 Gripen is equipped to carry various missiles and bombs. These may include AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM, or AGM-65 Maverick missiles, as well as Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles and Mark 82 bombs.
Due to its ability to carry different types of armaments and operate from makeshift runways (using about a 2,625-foot section of road) with relatively low operational costs, the JAS 39 Gripen is considered an ideal aircraft for Ukraine. The Swedish authorities do not exclude that their transfer is possible, but in the not-too-distant future, as NATO currently focuses on strengthening Ukraine with F-16 fighters.
