Ukraine is considering the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets as an alternative fighter after the last F-16 deliveries. Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström stated that Sweden is keeping the door open for Gripen despite Ukrainian authorities’ conclusion that F-16 and Gripen at the same time might make logistics complicated, according to an interview with VOA Ukraine.
Sweden is one of the supporters of Ukraine in the heavy fighting vehicles with CV90 IFVs armed with Bofors 40 mm L70 autocannon. Additionally, in May 2024, military aid worth $1.3 billion was pledged. The package includes ASC 890 surveillance aircraft fitted with sensors to detect surface and air targets and RB-99 AMRAAM missiles.
Having received a wide variety of military equipment from Europe and the U.S., Ukraine is likely more cautious with the difficulties of extreme diversity, which can cause logistical issues. However, Gripen might be an exception with its capability to use NATO-standard munitions and capability to take off from and land on highways. The latter is a plus for long-term survivability during war when airfields are likely to be targeted by ballistic or cruise missiles.
