Although the Air Force of Ukraine has been advancing in the incorporation of Western-origin combat aircraft, such as the F-16 and Mirage 2000-5, Kyiv has been weighing other alternatives to deepen this transition toward more advanced air combat platforms. During today’s day, in the framework of the official visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Sweden, the country has taken the first step in this direction with the signing of a Letter of Intent for the acquisition of up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, this being the first formal step reached by both governments, preceded by previous studies and evaluations.
Ukraine’s interest in the Gripen produced by Saab is not new in itself. The qualities of the Swedish-origin aircraft are known by various operators, highlighting its wide panoply of armament —compatible with most American and European suppliers—, as well as its capacity to operate from austere operational environments and with minimum maintenance, as demonstrated by the diverse operations and training in which the combat aircraft are seen operating from highways and roads in northern Europe.
However, the Ukrainian interest in the Gripen manifested in recent months was being opposed by the prudence and cautious approach of Stockholm, which, although it has ordered studies from the Swedish Air Force to evaluate feasibility, has mentioned that the possible transfer could materialize once the conflict is over.
The prudence expressed to date, and the signing of the recent Letter of Intent, are based on some issues to consider, such as that Sweden does not seek to decrease its air capabilities in the framework of tensions with Russia, also taking into account the increase in its requirements in Europe since its entry into NATO.
This is not a minor detail, since with the prior confirmation of the transfer of Saab 340 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft —designated by the Swedish Air Force as S 100B Argus—, the Swedish government had to order additional units of the more modern and capable GlobalEye from Saab, currently in various stages of production and awaiting the materialization of the delivery of the first aircraft.
Secondly, it should not be omitted that Ukraine is currently dedicating significant human resources to the training of pilots and crews to operate the F-16s that are being transferred by Western allies, confirming the delivery of fighters coming from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, to which Belgium could soon be added, after the arrival of its first F-35s days ago.
It should also be pointed out that France is supplying Ukraine with its Mirage 2000-5 fighters, projecting the transfer of a fleet of up to twenty units coming from retired units of the Army of the Air and Space.
Nevertheless, and beyond what was mentioned, the Letter of Intent lays the foundation for deepening the partnership and cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden, initiating formal negotiations to materialize in the future the provision of between one hundred (100) and one hundred and fifty (150) Gripen E fighters. This is not a minor detail, since during yesterday’s day the Swedish Air Force celebrated the incorporation of the first of its new sixty (60) Gripen Es, which could also enable the transfer of C/D version aircraft currently in service, as part of the transition toward this platform.
In the framework of the official declarations after the signing of the documents, the Prime Minister of Sweden expressed: “I am proud to have received President Zelenskyy in Sweden and in Linköping. Today we have signed an important Letter of Intent, which marks a step towards a possible large-scale export agreement concerning the Gripen —probably between 100 and 150 fighters—, with the objective of building a new and powerful Ukrainian Air Force. President Zelenskyy also had the opportunity to see firsthand the impressive capabilities of the Gripen fighter. This will strengthen both Ukraine and Sweden and Europe.”
For his part, the Ukrainian president indicated: “Today we have the first document signed between our countries, which paves the way for Ukraine to acquire an important fleet of fighters manufactured in Sweden —the Gripen—. They are excellent aircraft, robust aviation platforms capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. Everyone can see the threats they help counter. We hope that the future contract will allow us to obtain at least 100 of these fighters.”
Finally, and although no further details were provided, it is not unreasonable to think that, due to the quantities mentioned in the document, we are facing the possibility that Ukraine will also potentially become the most important user of the new Gripen E, which already has the Brazilian Air Force as its first operator and, as was announced yesterday, the Swedish Air Force itself, while other countries, such as Canada, evaluate the Swedish combat aircraft as a complement and, even, as an alternative to the American F-35.
You may also like: Canada evaluates drastically reducing its order for 88 F-35A fighters from the U.S. while considering the Saab Gripen E/F as an alternative
