NATO strategy delays Swedish Gripen jets for Ukraine
Although Sweden seems ready to send its JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine, NATO leaders are skeptical about such a transfer. They believe it's necessary to wait, and the reasons for this approach were given in a recent interview with the chief of the Dutch armed forces, Gen. Onno Eichelsheim.
The topic of strengthening the Ukrainian army with JAS 39 Gripen fighters has been discussed publicly for over a year. In November, it was revealed that Sweden's September aid package for Ukraine included components needed for the maintenance of these fighters, which was perceived as "preparing the ground" for their transfer. They might already be in Ukraine if not for NATO's deliberate strategy.
JAS 39 Gripen for Ukraine? Yes, but at the right moment
The Alliance's command determined that the simultaneous arrival of too many different combat aircraft would not be reinforcement but rather a problem for Ukraine. It was decided to focus on delivering F-16 fighters and training pilots and personnel in their operation. This is also confirmed by recent statements from the Swedish defence minister, who said that "the donation of the Gripens is not in the hands of ourselves [Swedes - editor's note]."
Gen. Onno Eichelsheim appears to be one of the best-informed individuals on this issue, as the Netherlands is one of the countries most actively involved in the western aviation coalition working to strengthen Ukraine's air forces. It helps train pilots, and provides F-16s and dedicated air-to-air missiles for them.
"In the long term, yes, [but] I think we have to avoid [giving] too many systems to Ukraine, because they have a shortage of pilots. So you have to avoid that you have more systems than pilots. Somewhere in the balance, you have to look at what capabilities are needed at this moment," said the chief of the Dutch armed forces, Gen. Onno Eichelsheim, in an interview with Breaking Defense.
Many Western fighters in Ukraine?
Gen. Onno Eichelsheim stated bluntly that during the initial phase of F-16 deliveries, the transfer of "French fighters and Swedish fighters … doesn’t make sense for me." He also mentioned France's plans to supply Ukraine with several Mirage 2000-5 fighters.
The transfer of each additional type of aircraft requires many preliminary steps, including the mentioned training of pilots and ground personnel. Moreover, it is emphasized that the F-16, Mirage 2000-5, and JAS 39 Gripen can carry different armaments.
The Swedish JAS 39 Gripen is often seen as a fighter tailored to Ukraine's needs due to several of its features not possessed by other Western combat aircraft. It is adapted to operate from improvised runways (roads approximately 800 metres long, and sometimes even shorter), and its ground maintenance is simpler than, for example, the F-16. The JAS 39 Gripen is also cheaper to operate than American fighters.
