NATO strategists urge caution in supply of Gripen jets to Ukraine
Although Sweden appears ready to send its JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine, NATO leaders remain sceptical about such a transfer. They believe it's necessary to wait, and the reasons for this cautious approach were provided in a recent interview by the head of the Dutch armed forces, General Onno Eichelsheim.
The discussion about reinforcing the Ukrainian army with JAS 39 Gripen fighters has been ongoing in the public domain 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 perceived as "preparing the ground" for their transfer. These jets might already be in Ukraine if not for NATO's strategic considerations.
JAS 39 Gripen for Ukraine? Yes, but at the appropriate time
The Alliance's command determined that the simultaneous arrival of too many different combat aircraft would not strengthen but could pose a logistical challenge for Ukraine. Therefore, it was decided to prioritise the delivery of F-16 fighters and focus on training pilots and personnel in their operation. This is echoed by recent statements from the Swedish defence minister, who remarked that "the donation of the Gripens is not in the hands of ourselves [Swedes - editor's note]."
General Onno Eichelsheim is considered one of the most informed authorities on this matter, as the Netherlands is one of the most active countries in the western aviation coalition working to enhance Ukraine's air forces. The Netherlands assists in training pilots, providing F-16s, and supplying 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," stated General Onno Eichelsheim in an interview with Breaking Defense.
Many Western fighters in Ukraine?
General Onno Eichelsheim stated plainly that during the initial phase of F-16 deliveries, transferring "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 involves numerous preliminary steps, including the necessary training of pilots and ground crew. Furthermore, it is noted that the F-16, Mirage 2000-5, and JAS 39 Gripen can carry different armaments.
The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen is often viewed as a fighter tailored to Ukraine's needs, due to several of its features not found in other Western combat aircraft. It is designed to operate from improvised runways (roads approximately 800 metres long, and sometimes even shorter), and its ground maintenance is simpler than, for example, the F-16. The JAS 39 Gripen is also less expensive to operate compared to American fighters.
