Sweden is still considering the possibility of transferring Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. The latest military aid package, totaling around $440 million, includes $220 million allocated for the purchase of spare parts for their JAS-39C/D Gripen fighters, as announced by the Swedish government. This decision is part of preparations for a potential future transfer of these jets to Ukraine. However, it is noted that there are no immediate plans to send Gripen to Ukraine, and it remains unclear when such a transfer might take place.
“At this time, the transfer of JAS Gripen to Ukraine is not relevant, as it would interfere with the deployment of F-16s,” the Swedish government stated. “However, the government continues to work on creating the conditions for possible support of Ukraine with JAS-39 Gripen fighters at a later stage.”
The spare parts in question are for the JAS-39C/D models, which are also used in the production of the new JAS-39E version. The purchase of material kits creates the conditions to potentially transfer a certain number of JAS-39C/D jets without needing to take parts from currently operational aircraft. The press release did not specify which parts exactly are included.
Sweden currently operates around 97 C and D variants. Although the country initially planned to gradually phase out all C/D models in favor of the E version, Stockholm has decided to maintain a stronger air force following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden’s long-term plan is to have 120 Gripen aircraft in service by 2030, with half of them being the newer E versions. This would leave approximately 37 C/D models potentially available for transfer to Ukraine, but that number is likely to be lower. It’s unlikely that Sweden will have all 60 JAS-39E jets operational by then, meaning the existing aircraft will remain necessary. Additionally, Sweden plans to retain some JAS-39D aircraft for training purposes, which will further impact the number of jets that could potentially be provided to Ukraine.
Sweden has already exported several JAS-39 Gripen aircraft through the Saab company, although the overall number of Gripen users remains limited. Saab has been working for years to secure more export deals. In addition to Hungary, countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand have purchased Gripen variants, while the Czech Republic operates them under a leasing agreement.
Sweden’s recent statement comes months after some discrepancies emerged between Stockholm and Kyiv regarding interest in these aircraft. Sweden appeared ready to send a few jets to Ukraine over the summer, but Kyiv declined, as Ukrainian pilots were awaiting F-16s and undergoing training to operate them.
“We must understand that Ukraine was given the opportunity to receive F-16 fighters, which are, of course, more common within the NATO family,” stated Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström at the time. “In the end, there are more F-16s than Gripen fighters available. This has nothing to do with the Swedish government’s decision. The conclusion was reached by Ukraine itself, as it deemed having both F-16s and Gripens at the same time to be too much.”
However, Ukraine denied this.
“I have never heard of Ukrainians refusing to purchase Gripen fighters,” stated Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President. “On the contrary, this is a topic my president constantly raises with Swedish leadership.” He also added that the JAS-39 Gripen “are in no way inferior to the F-16.”
In addition to the spare parts kits, the aid package for Ukraine includes an unspecified number of RBS-70 MANPADS, six Combat Boat 90 vessels, and related equipment, along with shells, rifles, mines, and other gear. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Sweden has provided Ukraine with military aid worth over $4.6 billion.
Source: twz
