For the past 23 months, the Ukrainian military has fought admirably against a larger and better-equipped force. 

Ukrainian courage, grit, and smarts have been essential components of the country’s success in first stopping and then pushing back the Russian forces. 

But Western military aid has been key as well. Led by the United States, the international community has committed tens of billions of dollars worth of weapon systems and munitions to the embattled nation. 

As the war drags on, Ukraine needs more. Fighter jets are the latest hot commodity in the Ukraine security aid saga. With F-16 Fighting Falcons on their way to Kyiv, another aircraft could be even more suited. 

JAS 39 Gripen: The Swedish Griffith 

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a supersonic, multi-role fighter jet capable of air combat and air-to-ground operations. It can operate from austere places and can carry a number of advanced munitions.  

However, would it help Ukraine? Honestly, it is an open question. 

To begin with, it would be unlikely that Sweden could commit enough aircraft to make a difference. The Swedish Air Force currently operates approximately 70 JAS 39 Gripen, with another 60 on order. Its precarious position next to Russia and upcoming admittance to NATO prevents Sweden from weakening its own defenses too much. So, it would only be able to commit a small number of aircraft. 

But even a dozen JAS 39 Gripen would be an upgrade to the Ukrainian Air Force’s aging Soviet- and Russian-made fleet. Saab designed the aircraft for the requirements of the Swedish Air Force; namely, low-level air superiority from dispersed bases.

The operational situation in Ukraine closely resembles those requirements. As such, the multi-role fighter jet would be an excellent addition to the Ukrainian fighter fleet and could be used in air combat, anti-ship, and even electronic warfare missions. 

On its part, Sweden seems positive about the possible transfer of a number of JAS 39 Gripen to Ukraine. After all, the Scandinavian country and prospective NATO member has been an important contributor to the Ukrainian defense against Russian aggression. 

Since February 24, 2022, Stockholm has committed weapon systems and munitions worth over $2 billion to Ukraine, including Leopard 2 main battle tanks, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, Archer 155mm self-propelled howitzers, AT-4 anti-tank weapons, and anti-ship missiles. 

On the issue of the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, the Swedish Ministry of Defense has asked the Swedish Air Force to conduct a study on the potential impact of transferring the fourth-generation fighter jet to Kyiv. 

“This analysis is going to need to look at how our defensive capabilities are affected, both our operative capability here and now and our long-term defense finances,” Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said in October. 

But a potential delivery of JAS 39 Gripen’s to Ukraine would take time. Like in the ongoing process with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Ukrainian pilots and maintainers would have to be trained on how to operate and support the aircraft. 

To be sure, Ukraine can only benefit from a potential transfer of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. But to be most effective, they would have to be combined with a healthy dosage of F-16 Fighting Falcons. 

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 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. You can reach the author at [email protected].