Sweden steps up: Record aid package to boost Ukraine's air defense
On 31 March, the Swedish government announced its 19th military aid package for Ukraine. Analysts point to the elements listed, which suggest that the anticipated aircraft are getting closer to being sent to Ukraine.
The latest Swedish aid package is worth as much as 16 billion kronor (approximately £1.23 billion). This is a record financial package that this Scandinavian country has decided to provide to Ukraine.
Swedish aircraft soon to reach Ukraine?
Defence Express analysts note that the official communications highlighted the main elements funded from the 16 billion kronor pool. Most will be spent purchasing weapons and military equipment – ammunition, air defence systems, armoured vehicles, satellite communication systems, and infantry equipment. Swedish, Scandinavian, and European companies will be prioritised when choosing specific suppliers.
Specific amounts will be allocated to international aid programmes for Ukraine and to armaments and equipment that Sweden will supply from its stocks. In this context, analysts point primarily to intriguingly vague 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 2022, 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 2,148 km/h) and operating at altitudes of up to 18,000 metres. It is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon and adapted to carry various missiles and bombs. The list of compatible armament 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 Ukrainians' needs. It is cheaper to operate than, for example, the F-16 and is also adapted to operate from improvised runways (it can take off and land on simple road sections several hundred metres long). Former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson estimates the JAS-39 Gripen to be a better machine than the F-35. However, 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 machine. Previous statements from Swedish politicians indicated that it could count on two Saab 340 AEW&C.
