Ukraine in continued talks with Sweden over jas 39 Gripen jets

Contrary to earlier information, Ukraine continues talking with Sweden about transferring JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. Here, we describe these aircraft's capabilities.

The first mention of the transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets appeared in August 2023, when representatives of the Ukrainian Air Force visited Sweden to evaluate the aircraft. The Ukrainian Air Force command then announced that it would "fight" for the transfer of the Gripens. However, the Swedish Prime Minister said he could not transfer the Gripen aircraft to Ukraine.

Recently, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström stated that Ukraine decided to delay the purchase of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets until the preparations for the transfer of American F-16 fighter jets are completed. Members of the Ukrainian government refute this information.

Ukraine is still interested in acquiring Swedish multirole fighter jets. Igor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, refutes earlier information.

"I have never heard that Ukrainians gave up on the Gripen fighters. On the contrary, it is a topic that my president continuously brings up before the presidency of Sweden," he said.

The Ukrainian official also noted that before Stockholm joined NATO, the government could not make any promises, but now "the president is once again communicating with the Swedish Prime Minister, and our Ministry of Defence accordingly with the relevant Swedish government bodies."

The multirole fighter jet SAAB JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight machine produced by the Swedes in cooperation with BAE Systems. Their history dates back to the 1980s, when work on their design began. The first test flight of the Gripen took place in December 1988, marking a critical moment in its history.

These aircraft are designed based on the canard configuration and powered by turbofan engines. Depending on the version, these can be Volvo Aero RM12 or F414-GE-39E engines. In both cases, these engines guarantee the capability to reach a speed of Mach 2, which translates to about 1,324 miles per hour (mph). The maximum altitude of the Gripen can operate is 11.2 miles (mi), a notable achievement.

The dimensions of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet are also noteworthy. The wingspan is 27.6 feet (ft), and the length of the aircraft ranges from 46.3 to 48.6 ft, depending on the version. The machine's height is 14.9 ft. These dimensions make this fighter jet slightly smaller than the American F-16.

However, despite its slightly smaller size, the Gripen's airframe, weighing between 6.7 and 7.1 tonnes, accommodates impressive weaponry. The structure can house six AIM-9 Sidewinder or IRIS-T missiles, four AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and bombs from the GBU and Mk 82 family. The primary tool for conducting fire is the Mauser BK-27 calibre 27 mm aircraft cannon, the core of this Swedish fighter's armament.