Sweden's military aid to Ukraine: Gripen fighters in the spotlight

Sweden has prepared its 17th military aid package for Ukraine. In addition to information about the ammunition and weapons that will be sent to the front soon, attention is drawn to the mention of Gripen fighters. The Swedes are paving the way for them to be transferred to Ukraine.

The JAS 39 Gripen fighters are considered some of the best aircraft in their category. They can reach speeds of up to around 2,130 km/h (Mach 2) and operate at altitudes up to 18,000 metres. Compared to other fighters, they have several features that are highly valued by the Swedes and could also prove very useful from the perspective of the Ukrainians. These are machines that can operate from short, makeshift runways, are relatively simple in terms of ground maintenance, and are cheaper to operate than, for example, the American F-16s.

The topic of a potential transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine has appeared in the media multiple times, but politicians have been very cautious. In the communication regarding the latest aid package from Sweden, there was information about the production of components necessary for constructing the JAS 39E (a new fighter version). Thanks to this, there will be no need to dismantle components from the JAS 39C/D, which will remain combat-ready, and these are the versions being considered for Ukraine.

"The material kits are JAS 39C/D parts that are also used to build the new JAS 39E. Purchasing material kits creates conditions under which a certain number of JAS 39C/D can be transferred instead of being dismantled," explain the Swedes in the issued communication.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson emphasised that such steps do not mean that the decision to transfer the JAS 39C/D fighters to Ukraine has already been made. This will be discussed within the coalition of countries that have provided American F-16s to Ukraine.

The JAS 39 Gripen's armament includes a 27 mm Mauser BK-27 gun. The Swedish aircraft can also carry more dangerous ordnance. It is compatible with, among others, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, IRIS-T 4, AIM-120 AMRAAM, MICA, AGM-65 Maverick, Mark 82, and GBU-12 bombs.

Sweden's 17th aid package is estimated to be worth about £351 million. It includes grenade launchers, mines, various types of ammunition, drones, an additional six Stridsbåt 90 assault landing boats, and RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile systems. These systems are already actively used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and are sometimes referred to as the "nightmare of Russian pilots." They allow targeting of flying objects at distances up to 10 km and altitudes up to 4,880 metres.