In the midst of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force has faced immense challenges in maintaining air superiority against a numerically superior adversary. Ukraine’s aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft, such as MiG-29s and Su-27s, has been decimated by attrition, prompting urgent appeals for Western fighter jets to bolster its defenses.
Among the most discussed options has been the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a versatile multi-role fighter developed by Sweden’s Saab AB. As of October 2025, recent developments indicate that Ukraine is on the cusp of receiving these advanced aircraft from Sweden, marking a significant escalation in European military support.
The Gripen’s potential integration into Ukraine’s arsenal comes at a critical juncture, as Kyiv seeks to counter Russian aerial dominance and support ground operations. While the United States and other NATO allies have committed to supplying F-16s, the Gripen offers unique advantages suited to Ukraine’s austere operating conditions. However, the path to delivery has been fraught with diplomatic hurdles, technical considerations, and shifting alliances, reflecting the complexities of international arms transfers during active conflict.
Discussions about supplying Gripens to Ukraine trace back to the early stages of the war. Sweden, a neutral nation until its NATO accession in March 2024, initially hesitated due to concerns over escalating tensions with Russia and maintaining its own defense capabilities. By mid-2023, as Ukraine’s air force losses mounted, Swedish officials began exploring the possibility of donating older Gripen C/D models.
A pivotal moment came in July 2024 when Sweden’s Foreign Minister indicated readiness to transfer Gripens, only for Ukraine to reportedly decline, prioritizing F-16s instead due to established training programs and compatibility with existing infrastructure. This decision stemmed from logistical challenges: Introducing a new aircraft type would require additional pilot training, maintenance expertise, and supply chains, potentially straining Ukraine’s resources amid intense combat.
Negotiations reignited in late 2024 and early 2025 as Ukraine’s need for diverse air assets became apparent. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson discussed the matter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in October 2025, emphasizing cooperation on air defense and Ukraine’s interest in the Gripen. By September 29, 2025, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Oleksandr Havryliuk confirmed that Gripens were “expected” to join the Ukrainian fleet, describing them as part of a broader Western aircraft reinforcement package.
However, recent updates introduce nuance. On October 16-18, 2025, reports from NATO briefings and Ukrainian media indicated that the aviation coalition—comprising allies like the U.S., Denmark, and the Netherlands—advised Sweden to delay the transfer to avoid complicating ongoing F-16 integrations. Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson acknowledged this, prioritizing radar reconnaissance aircraft (such as the ASC 890) in the immediate aid package while keeping Gripens on the table for later. This €250 million package, announced in mid-October 2025, underscores Sweden’s commitment but highlights the cautious, phased approach.
Geopolitically, Sweden’s NATO membership has emboldened its support for Ukraine, aligning with broader European efforts to contain Russian aggression. Yet, domestic considerations, including Sweden’s own receipt of new Gripen E models on October 20, 2025, have influenced timelines. Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik has been a vocal advocate, urging Sweden since March 2024 to expedite deliveries.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Swedish for “Griffin”) is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter jet designed for air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. Developed in the 1980s and entering service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996, it embodies Sweden’s philosophy of cost-effective, high-performance aircraft suited for dispersed operations in harsh environments.
The Gripen features a delta wing and canard configuration, which enhances lift and maneuverability while maintaining a relaxed stability design. This is managed through a sophisticated fly-by-wire flight control system, allowing for supermaneuverability at both subsonic and supersonic speeds. The aircraft’s compact size—length of 14.1 meters for the single-seat C variant and 14.8 meters for the two-seat D—combined with a wingspan of 8.4 meters and height of 4.5 meters, makes it lightweight and agile. Its maximum takeoff weight is 14,000 kg, enabling operations from short, unprepared runways—a critical feature for Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure.
Powered by the Volvo RM12 turbofan engine (a licensed version of the General Electric F404) in C/D models, the Gripen achieves a top speed of Mach 2 (approximately 2,470 km/h) at high altitude. The advanced E/F variants upgrade to the GE F414G engine, providing greater thrust and efficiency. Combat radius extends to 800 km, with a ferry range of 3,200 km when using external fuel tanks, allowing for extended patrols over contested areas. Its supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners) in the E model reduces fuel consumption and infrared signature.
The Gripen is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar in the E series for superior target detection and tracking. It features the Tactical Information Datalink System (TIDLS), providing four high-bandwidth datalinks for real-time data sharing with other aircraft and ground units. Full NATO interoperability ensures seamless integration with allied systems, a boon for joint operations. The cockpit includes a wide-angle head-up display and helmet-mounted sights for enhanced pilot situational awareness.
With up to 10 hardpoints (increased from 8 in earlier models), the Gripen can carry a diverse payload, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor, air-to-ground munitions such as GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, and anti-ship weapons. Its electronic warfare suite provides jamming and countermeasures against threats, making it resilient in high-threat environments.
The Gripen’s low operational costs—estimated at half that of comparable jets like the F-16—stem from its modular design and ease of maintenance.
Strategically, the Gripen addresses Ukraine’s specific requirements better than some alternatives. Unlike the F-16, which demands pristine runways, the Gripen can operate from highways and rough airstrips, aligning with Ukraine’s dispersed basing strategy to evade Russian strikes. Its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities and rapid turnaround times (under 10 minutes for rearming) enhance survivability in a contested airspace.
Comparatively, while F-16s offer proven performance, the Gripen’s lower radar cross-section and advanced datalinks provide an edge in electronic warfare against Russian Su-35s and S-400 systems. Analysts note that mixing Gripen with F-16s could create a “high-low” mix, optimizing resource allocation. For Ukraine, this diversification reduces dependency on a single platform and complicates Russian targeting.
Operationally, the transfer could shift battlefield dynamics by enabling precision strikes on Russian logistics and command centers, supporting Ukraine’s counteroffensives. However, challenges persist: Pilot training, estimated at 6-9 months, and supply chain vulnerabilities could delay full operational capability. The advised delay by the aviation coalition reflects these concerns, prioritizing F-16 proficiency first.
Geopolitically, this move strengthens NATO’s eastern flank, signaling European unity. Sweden’s involvement, post-NATO entry, underscores a shift from neutrality to active deterrence. Yet, it risks Russian retaliation, such as cyberattacks or hybrid threats against Sweden.
| Aspect | Gripen C/D | Gripen E/F | F-16 (Comparison) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Mach 2 | Mach 2 | Mach 2 |
| Combat Radius | 800 km | 1,300 km | 550 km |
| Hardpoints | 8 | 10 | 9 |
| Engine | Volvo RM12 | GE F414G | GE F110 |
| Maintenance Cost | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Runway Requirements | Minimal (STOL) | Minimal | Standard |
This table highlights the Gripen’s efficiencies, making it a pragmatic choice for Ukraine’s resource-constrained environment.
Despite optimism, hurdles remain. Integration with Ukraine’s existing systems requires adaptations, and the war’s intensity demands rapid deployment. Delays could erode Ukraine’s momentum, as evidenced by calls from figures like Roderich Kiesewetter for broader European action, including Taurus missiles and additional tanks.
Looking ahead, successful Gripen deployment could inspire further aid, such as from Greece’s Mirage 2000s. However, if delayed indefinitely, it might signal waning Western resolve, emboldening Russia.
The story of Ukraine receiving Swedish Gripens is one of resilience, diplomacy, and strategic necessity. From hesitant beginnings to near-fruition in 2025, it exemplifies Europe’s evolving role in countering aggression.
The Gripen’s advanced features—agility, versatility, and affordability—position it as a game-changer for Ukraine’s air force. As deliveries potentially commence post-radar aircraft transfers, the world watches whether this “Griffin” will help Ukraine reclaim its skies and secure a path to victory.