Ukraine

Why the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen Could Be the Game Changer for Ukraine

BY SOFREP News Team

As Ukraine’s conflict with Russia intensifies, the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen emerges as a viable and cost-effective option to bolster Ukrainian air capabilities and counter Russian threats effectively.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia has highlighted the need for advanced fighter jets to bolster its air capabilities. While the request for F-16s from Western countries gains momentum, experts suggest that the lesser-known Swedish JAS 39 Gripen may better fit Ukraine’s unique needs and challenges on the battlefield.

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The Ukrainian Air Force’s Dilemma

During the 16-month war, Kyiv and Moscow struggled to establish air dominance. Neither has. Nonetheless, Russia enjoys a technological edge and numerical superiority regarding aircraft, posing a significant challenge to Ukraine’s ground forces. In response, Ukraine has persistently sought Western countries’ support to acquire venerable F-16 fighter jets, and the efforts appear to be bearing fruit.

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Russian invasion of Ukraine, as of 24 July 2023 (Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

The Gripen: A Unique Contender

While Ukraine seeks F-16s, experts suggest that the Swedish Gripen, the JAS 39, might be an ideal solution for the country’s air war requirements.

The Gripen’s impressive features, including the ability to reach Mach 2 and fly at supersonic speeds without an afterburner, make it an attractive option.

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Additionally, its suite of advanced air-to-air missiles (such as IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and the cutting-edge Meteor), electronic warfare capabilities designed with Russian systems in mind, and its cost-effectiveness are all attributes that Ukraine finds appealing.

The Gripen’s user-friendly design is a potential fit for Ukrainian pilots who may be more accustomed to Soviet-era jets. It requires minimal ground crew training, making maintenance relatively straightforward and cost-effective. Furthermore, the Gripen’s short-takeoff-and-landing capability allows it to operate from small airfields and highways, which could prove crucial if Russian forces target larger airfields.

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Despite the Swedish aircraft’s attractiveness, it has faced stiff competition in previous contract competitions, often losing out to the US-made F-35 stealth jet. Yet, Ukrainian officials believe that the Gripen presents a unique opportunity to showcase its capabilities in combat. This potential combat experience could benefit Sweden’s marketing efforts to promote the Gripen globally.

However, the process of acquiring Gripen aircraft may not be without challenges. With only a few countries operating the Gripen, the availability of surplus aircraft for Ukraine is limited. While some countries, such as Sweden and the Czech Republic, have expressed support for Ukraine in the ongoing war, others remain neutral or unwilling to provide weapons.

A Viable Short-Term Option

With nearly a dozen countries committing to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, the short-term prospects for the Gripen seem favorable.

While F-16s are expected to arrive later in the year, the Gripen’s unique capabilities could provide significant support for Ukraine in countering Russian threats.

In the long term, Ukraine may still consider transitioning to F-16s, but for now, the Gripen offers an excellent option to counter Russian threats effectively. The provision of MiG-29s by Poland and Slovakia has offered temporary support, but the aging aircraft pose maintenance challenges. A comprehensive approach combining short-term aid and long-term vision is crucial for Ukraine to strengthen its air defense and assert itself amid the ongoing conflict.

Geopolitical Implications

Ukraine’s acquisition of advanced fighter jets holds significant geopolitical implications that extend beyond its immediate defense needs. By obtaining cutting-edge aircraft like the F-16s or Gripen, Ukraine aims to strengthen its defense capabilities and signal its commitment to safeguarding sovereignty amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. This move also signifies robust Western support for Ukraine and sends a clear message to other regional actors about the seriousness of defending its territorial integrity.

Moreover, deploying advanced fighter jets could potentially alter the regional balance of power in Eastern Europe, prompting neighboring countries to reassess their military strategies. However, this move may escalate tensions with Russia and strain diplomatic relations between Western countries and Moscow. Nonetheless, if viewed as a credible deterrent, the acquisition of advanced fighter jets may contribute to de-escalation efforts and encourage diplomatic solutions to the conflict. As the situation evolves, understanding and addressing these broader geopolitical implications will be crucial for effectively navigating the ongoing conflict’s complexities.

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In conclusion, Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia underscores the need for advanced fighter jets to bolster its air capabilities. While the request for F-16s gains momentum, the lesser-known Swedish JAS 39 Gripen emerges as a viable option for countering Russian threats effectively. The Gripen’s impressive features, user-friendly design, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive choice. While the short-term prospects for the Gripen seem favorable with the support of nearly a dozen countries, Ukraine may consider transitioning to F-16s in the long term. The geopolitical implications of acquiring advanced fighter jets highlight Western support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and may impact regional dynamics and international relations. A comprehensive approach is crucial to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and navigate the complexities of the conflict effectively.

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