The transfer of F-16 fighters from allied countries has opened an accelerated transition process toward Western-origin aircraft for the Ukrainian Air Force. Following the start of deliveries from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and in the future, Belgium, France later joined in, also delivering an unspecified number of Mirage 2000-5 fighters. However, another country has also expressed its willingness to support the reconstruction of Ukraine’s air power. More specifically, Sweden has on several occasions signaled its readiness to transfer several of its Gripen fighters to the country.
Echoing recent statements made by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk, he noted that “additional” deliveries of F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters are expected, in line with announcements from the respective governments. However, the surprise came when he added the Gripen C/D to this group of Western fighters, which would be provided by the Swedish government.
This statement was made during an interview the senior Ukrainian defense official gave to the BBC, which prompted a follow-up question to confirm such a transfer, though he did not provide further details regarding timing or quantities.
It is well known that, at least since 2023, Ukraine has submitted requests to assess the feasibility of acquiring Gripen fighters from Sweden, receiving the support of the Scandinavian country’s government, albeit with certain caveats.
Like other European nations, Sweden has maintained a clear stance of support for Ukraine, demonstrated by the transfer of armored combat vehicles and even the provision of two Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft—designated S 100B Argus by the Swedish Air Force.
However, following Ukraine’s request, it has been indicated that such a transfer could take place once the armed conflict is over, at which point Sweden would support the reconstruction of military capabilities with the Saab-developed and manufactured aircraft. It has even been confirmed that the government ordered the Swedish Air Force to carry out a feasibility study for a possible Gripen transfer, in order to evaluate various aspects such as the impact this could have on the country’s Armed Forces.
Returning to the statements given to the BBC by Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister, Stockholm has not yet issued an official statement to clarify whether this announcement confirms the beginning of a Gripen transfer process to the Ukrainian Air Force in the near future, or whether the government will maintain its position of doing so once the conflict ends or a lasting ceasefire is achieved between the belligerents.
It should also be noted that Ukraine is currently in the midst of transitioning to the F-16, a process that brings its own complexities, with progress being made as the U.S.-made aircraft begin to carry out an increasing number of missions.
A similar situation is taking place with the Mirage 2000-5 fighters transferred by France, a process that began earlier this year. This platform, different from the F-16, can be employed both in interception missions and as a potential strike platform through the use of SCALP cruise missiles.
Finally, regarding a potential Gripen transfer to Ukraine, these would likely be the C/D variants, which, although periodically upgraded, are being phased out by the Swedish Air Force in favor of the newer E variant, which also equips the Brazilian Air Force.
Looking ahead, Stockholm plans to maintain a fleet of up to 120 Gripen fighters, half of which would be the new variant, enabling the potential sale or transfer of up to thirty of the earlier versions. At the same time, and still within the realm of speculation, it should be noted that the aircraft’s design philosophy, adopted by Saab and Sweden, is tailored to operate in austere environments with low manpower requirements compared to other, more sophisticated platforms. Another notable aspect is the wide range and integration capacity of Western weaponry from multiple suppliers, both European and American.
Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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I think that the gripen fighter jets would be a great addition to any advanced countries defence force.
I am surprised that the Spanish have not considered the Gripen jet for a standard type of aircraft carrier which Spanish shipyards can build quite quickly.