The Swedish government has unveiled its 17th military aid package to Ukraine. Valued at SEK4.6 billion ($400 million), the package is designed to meet Ukraine’s most urgent military needs while providing flexibility for future requirements.
The assistance includes donated military equipment, direct procurement, specialized equipment kits, financial contributions and, interestingly, fighter jet parts.
No Gripen jets – yet
There has been speculation surrounding whether Sweden would supply its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. However, the government clarified that transferring Gripen jets is not currently being considered.
Officials emphasized that introducing Gripen jets at this stage might interfere with Ukraine’s integration of F-16 fighter jets already being supplied by other Western countries.
In June 2024, Sweden temporarily paused its plan to provide Gripen C/Ds to Ukraine, prioritizing the introduction of the F-16 fleet.
Laying the groundwork for future Gripen transfer
Although Sweden will not be immediately transferring Gripen jets, the latest military support package reflects its commitment to possibly aiding Ukraine with these fighters in the future.
As part of the package, Sweden is transferring specialized parts for the JAS 39 Gripen, valued at approximately SEK2.3 billion ($222 million). These material kits could enable Sweden to donate Gripen 39C/D aircraft to Ukraine without depleting its own operational fleet.
“The government continues to work on creating the conditions to possibly support Ukraine with the JAS 39 Gripen at a later stage,” a Swedish defense spokesperson explained I a statement.
Gripen’s advantages for Ukraine
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a single-engine fighter, is particularly well-suited to Ukraine’s needs. It is designed for operations from dispersed airfields, including road bases and improvised runways, requiring minimal support personnel. This could be a crucial advantage for Ukraine, where many airfields and bases remain vulnerable to Russian strikes.
In May 2024, Sweden announced it would donate two Saab ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft to bolster Ukraine’s air defense.
This aircraft is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted atop the fuselage. Its range exceeds 550 kilometers (342 miles) and can effectively track both airborne and naval targets.