JAS 39 Gripen E to Saab
The new fighters purchased from Sweden are a more advanced and cheaper alternative to the American F-16s that Ukraine has been using second-hand.
Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent to purchase of between 100 and 150 fighters JAS 39 Gripen E, one of the most advanced and versatile combat aircraft in the world.
The agreement, announced in the Swedish city of Linköping by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, represents a strategic turning point in the modernization of the Ukrainian air force, which until now depended on sending F-16s second-hand North Americans.
Zelenskiy stated that his goal is to acquire “no less than 100” units, although the delivery of the first devices could take about three years after signing the definitive contract. Despite this, the Ukrainian head of state expressed hope of being able to operate the first Gripen next year. The financing of the project is still being defined, explains , with one of the hypotheses being the use of Russian assets frozen abroad.
The Gripen E, manufactured by the Swedish company Saab, is a fourth-generation multipurpose fighter considered superior to the F-16 by several military analysts, including Justin Bronk, from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). It stands out for its AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems and the ability to use the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile.
However, its main advantage lies in the operational versatility: can operate from roads or improvised runways with reduced teams, a crucial feature for Ukraine, whose air bases are a constant target of Russian attacks.
Furthermore, the Gripen is significantly more economical than other Western fighters, with its operating cost being around 5800 dollars per flight hourcompared to the 8,700 for the F-16, the 13,600 for the Rafale or the more than 38,000 for the F-35.
The development of Gripen is the result of decades of Swedish preparation in the face of the Russian threat. Since the 1950s, Swedish aviation has prioritized dispersion and resistance, creating aircraft capable of taking off from roads and remaining hidden in rural areas. That same philosophy is now what inspires Ukraine to rebuild its air force.
