Over more than three years of conflict, various Russian/Soviet-origin fighter jets operated by the Ukrainian Air Force have been observed modified or adapted to deploy Western weaponry. To cite just a few examples, Su-27 fighters have been seen using French-made AASM HAMMER guided bombs and U.S.-made GBU-39 glide bombs. The Su-24 Fencer aircraft have also been employed as launch platforms for SCALP EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles.
Given this background, it is not unreasonable to assume that Western allies and their respective defense companies have submitted proposals to modernize Ukrainian Russian/Soviet-origin aircraft with new capabilities and avionics.
This perspective is supported by a recent meeting between Deputy Defense Minister for Aviation Development, Oleksandr Kozenko, and a Swedish delegation led by Thomas Linden, Director of the Ukraine Affairs Department at SAAB.
The meeting, officially reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, focused on the various areas of cooperation established between Ukraine and Sweden, where SAAB plays a key role. Among notable examples are the studies conducted by Stockholm to assess the feasibility of transferring Saab Gripen fighters in the future, and the recent delivery of Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft from the Swedish Air Force.
However, the most highlighted topic was a proposal to modernize the existing fleet of Soviet/Russian-origin combat aircraft in Ukrainian service. In this regard, it was stated:
“… During the discussion, the parties focused on several key areas. One of them was the modernization of the existing fleet of Soviet aircraft using modern avionics, including Swedish-made systems.”
Although no further technical details were disclosed, this possibility must be considered in the current context of the Ukrainian Air Force. While aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-27 continue to engage on the front lines, Ukraine is also progressing in the transition toward Western platforms, such as the F-16 fighters supplied by Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. France has also announced the future transfer of Mirage 2000-5 jets.
Since the official statement was released, several questions have arisen regarding the scope of this modernization proposal and which platforms it might target, especially considering the increasing difficulty in sustaining Ukraine’s Russian/Soviet-origin fighter fleet.
For example, very few European countries can still supply spare parts for the MiG-29 without compromising their own fleets. Poland, which still operates the aircraft and is in the process of replacing it with the F-35, will not transfer any additional units until it begins receiving the first stealth fighters.
The situation is even more complex with the Su-27, as none of the countries supporting Ukraine were operators of this air superiority fighter during the Warsaw Pact era. Therefore, there have been no transfers of spare parts or inventories for this type.
Returning to the core of the meeting between Ukrainian officials and SAAB representatives, Oleksandr Kozenko emphasized:
“Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in this area will be mutually beneficial, as the Ukrainian side will enhance the capabilities of its aircraft, while the Swedish side will gain insights based on the combat experience of their use.”
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