Now Ukraine is poised to dramatically increase its military power. It intends to purchase as many as 150 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, with money from assets frozen from Russia. This acquisition is in step with Ukraine’s deepening desire to strengthen its defensive and offensive capabilities during the now nearly eight-month old war. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged talks to use these frozen assets to finance the procurement at a recent press briefing.
The Gripen fighter jet, particularly the latest Gripen E model, has gained recognition for its suitability in Ukrainian battlefield conditions. Only recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine would have advanced jets by next year. This decision will create a robust and historic modernization of the country’s air forces.
In comparison, Sweden has so far ordered 60 Gripen E variants. At the same time, Saab, the maker of the airframe, is increasing production capacity at its factory in Linkoping. The firm’s future production plans are to build 20 to 30 Gripen planes each year. To add to their proliferation, Gripen jets are being produced in Brazil as well.
Justin Bronk, an air warfare expert, emphasized the advantages of the Gripen E, stating it would “hypothetically represent a significantly more capable medium-weight fighter” than those currently in service with the Ukrainian military. The Gripen E is equipped with advanced AESA radar systems, internal electronic warfare capabilities and can carry long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles. Beyond its versatility, its unique design allows it to take off and land on civilian roads in addition to standard runways. This level of flexibility would serve Ukraine’s unique and rapidly changing operational needs quite well.
As the war continues, Zelenskyy has made potentially acquiring Gripen fighters a central chapel of Ukraine’s military strategy. This project could be funded by other partner countries within this “coalition of the willing.” These legislative contributions will strengthen transatlantic support for Ukraine’s self-defense against the Russian invasion.
Aside from the possible Gripen purchase, Sweden is moving to further lessen its dependence on Russian energy. Now as an EU member, the country is advancing a regional ban on liquefied natural gas imports from Russia. It would now go into effect in early 2027, a year sooner than previously intended. This is in step with greater European Union initiatives to keep unyielding European support for Ukraine’s sovereignty as the war goes on.
EU leaders are expected to approve a second massive €140 billion loan to Kyiv. This ambitious package would be supported by Russia’s frozen assets. This economic aid is now more important than ever, as Ukraine moves deeper into recovery from the war’s devastating impact.
“We fully realise it’s a long road ahead of us … But from today we are committed to exploring all the possibilities in providing Ukraine with a large amount of Gripen fighters in the future.” – Ulf Kristersson