Sweden halts Gripen jets to Ukraine, focuses on F‑16s at allies' request
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson informed that Sweden has decided to suspend its plan to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. The main reason was the request of allies, who suggested focusing on one model of fighter jet—the American F-16s. Here’s a reminder of which jets are involved and their capabilities.
Jonson, quoted by the TT agency, emphasized that simultaneously introducing two different fighter jet systems could be problematic. However, the head of Sweden’s defence ministry added that he does not rule out the possibility that the issue of delivering Gripen jets to Ukraine may arise again. He noted that the Ukrainian side’s attention is focused on implementing the F-16 donation program.
Swedish gripens not for Ukraine?
Last Tuesday, Jonson met in Brussels with defence ministers from other countries who are members of Ukraine's air defence coalition. This coalition supports Ukraine in fighting Russian aggression by providing F-16 jets from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway and air defence systems. The first jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine this summer.
During the campaign before the June European Parliament elections in Sweden, opposition Social Democrats and the Center Party demanded that Gripen jets be handed over to Ukraine. Last fall, the government received a report on the potential impacts of such a donation on Swedish defence capabilities.
The conclusions contained in this document were not disclosed, citing secrecy. The possibility of delivering Gripens to Ukraine became more likely after Sweden joined NATO at the beginning of March this year. Ukrainian pilots had already participated in trial flights and tests on Swedish jets.
JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets
As previously reported, JAS 39 Gripen are multi-role aircraft considered among the best in their category. The jets produced by Saab and BAE Systems are approximately 14 meters (46 feet) long and can fly at speeds reaching up to 2,130 km/h (Mach 2). Their primary armament is the Mauser BK-27 cannon, calibre 27 mm. The JAS 39 Gripen can also have missiles such as AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T 4, AIM-120 AMRAAM, MICA, AGM-65 Maverick, and Mark 82 bombs.
Meanwhile, American F-16 fighter jets, produced by Lockheed Martin, are slightly over 15 meters (49 feet) long and can travel at speeds close to 2,450 km/h. This jet can carry approximately 180 weapons, with its primary armament being the M61A1 20 mm cannon.
