Ukraine has announced that it aims to receive its first Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet in 2027…
In the initial phase, 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets from Sweden’s existing fleet are planned to be transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The aircraft are expected to be supplied alongside IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM and MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles.
In particular, the long-range Meteor missiles are expected to provide the Ukrainian Air Force with a significant engagement capability against Russian aircraft operating in areas from which they conduct their attacks.
Under a separate agreement, Ukraine will also acquire an additional 16 newly built Gripen E fighter jets.
While deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029, Ukraine aims to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E/F fighter jets in the long term.
Developed by Saab, the JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole fighter aircraft capable of conducting air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance missions.
Designed to operate from short runways and prepared sections of road, the aircraft can also be rapidly rearmed and returned to operational service.
The Gripen C/D offers Link 16 tactical data links, advanced sensor systems and the ability to employ weapons from different manufacturers.
The more advanced Gripen E variant features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, advanced electronic warfare capabilities and 10 external hardpoints…