Gripen fighter jets could be key for Ukraine to counter Russian glide bombs, experts say

Sweden's JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets, potentially armed with advanced "Meteor" long-range air-to-air missiles, may offer Ukraine a crucial advantage in countering Russia's increasingly effective use of guided glide bombs. These weapons have been inflicting significant damage on Ukrainian front-line positions.

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The Gripen C/D fighter jet combined with the Meteor missile is, in principle, the most likely and suitable option for Ukraine to counter the Russian glide bomb offensive.

Russian forces deployed a record 7,987 guided glide bombs in March and nearly 7,000 in April. Typically launched from Su-34 fighter-bombers operating at a safe distance behind the front lines, these bombs glide towards Ukrainian positions, making them challenging for existing ground-based air defense systems to intercept effectively.

Fabian Hoffmann, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Defense Institute, suggests that the Gripen C/D variant, when paired with the Meteor missile, represents Ukraine's most viable option for countering the Russian glide bomb offensive. Sweden has announced plans to donate 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine, in addition to assisting in the procurement of newer Gripen E models.

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The Meteor missile, with its high-speed flight distance of about 200 kilometers, has long-range interception capabilities.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is considered one of the most advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles currently in service. Retired Gripen pilot Jussi Halmetoja noted its high-speed, long-range interception capabilities, potentially reaching up to 200 kilometers. Experts believe that Gripen jets armed with Meteor missiles could successfully engage Su-34 aircraft operating 60 to 70 kilometers behind the front lines, offering a higher probability of success than F-16s with AIM-120 missiles or French Mirage 2000s with MICA missiles. However, Sweden has not yet confirmed if the donated Gripen aircraft will be equipped with Meteor missiles, stating only that the advanced munition package "may include" them alongside other air-to-air weapons like IRIS-T and AIM-120.

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The Gripen fighter jet equipped with the Meteor missile will have a higher probability of success in attacking Su-34 aircraft located 60 to 70 kilometers behind the Russian front lines compared to F-16s equipped with AIM-120 missiles and French Mirage 2000s using MICA missiles.