Summary and Key Points You Need to Know: Sweden's latest military aid package to Ukraine, worth $450 million, sets the stage for a potential future transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.

-Although the package did not include the jets, it funded parts to preserve the current JAS 39C/D aircraft, potentially allowing for their transfer to Ukraine later.

-The Swedish Air Force is transitioning to the newer JAS 39E Gripen, and by acquiring spare parts, Sweden is avoiding dismantling older models.

-This move indicates Sweden's commitment to supporting Ukraine's air capabilities as Kyiv continues to integrate F-16 fighters into its forces.

Sweden Lays Groundwork for Possible JAS 39 Gripen Transfer to Ukraine

In its latest military aid package to Ukraine, Sweden maintained Kyiv’s hopes of a future transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.

Although this aid package did not include any fighter jets, Stockholm is setting the ground for a future transfer of the powerful JAS 39 to the embattled country. 

The Promise of the JAS 39 Gripen 

On Monday, Stockholm announced another package of security aid to Ukraine worth 4.6 billion krona ($450 million). The package includes weapons and supplies for ground and naval combat. Among the other items, the package included some information on the JAS 39 Gripen. 

“At the moment, transferring JAS Gripen to Ukraine is not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritized introduction of F-16 fighters,” the Swedish Ministry of Defense stated.

Ukraine’s air force has already received about half a dozen F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets and expects dozens more in the coming months. Introducing a completely new fighter aircraft into an air force isn’t an easy job. Ukrainian pilots and maintainers first need to become proficient in English to understand that technical language required to fly and maintain the aircraft. Then comes the actual training on the new platform. 

“However, in parallel the Swedish Government is continuing its efforts to establish conditions for a possible future support of JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine. Support package 17 does so by acquiring materiel parts for the JAS 39 Gripen worth approximately SEK 2.3 billion [around $230 million],” the Swedish Ministry of Defense added. 

“Materiel parts are JAS 39C/D parts that are being reused in the construction of new JAS 39E aircraft. By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can – if the Swedish government decides so – be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine,” the Ministry added.

The Swedish Air Force is currently modernizing its fleet and transitioning from older versions of the JAS 39 to the JAS 39E Gripen.

Essentially, with the latest military aid package, the Swedish military is buying spare parts for its current JAS 39C/D Gripen aircraft so that SAAB can use them to manufacture the new JAS 39E Gripen. They are saving a number of active JAS 39C/D aircraft from getting cannibalized for parts to service the new aircraft. The JAS 39C/Ds saved could be transferred to Ukraine down the line. 

This is the 17th package of military aid from Sweden to Ukraine. Overall, the Scandinavian country has provided approximately $2.5 billion worth of military equipment to Ukrainian forces, including CV90 infantry fighting vehicles and AT-4 anti-tank missiles. 

The Swedish Air Force has some ninety-six JAS 39 Gripens in its fleet, but some of them are in reserve, awaiting the transition to the new type of aircraft. 

The Ukrainian Air Force needs more and better aircraft. But delivery is only the first step. Ukraine must be able to effectively incorporate the new aircraft into its services. 

About the Author 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.

Image Credit: Creative Commons.