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Ukraine to Buy 20 Swedish Gripen Jets, Receive 16 Donated Aircraft
🇫🇮 Finland /Conflict & Security

Ukraine to Buy 20 Swedish Gripen Jets, Receive 16 Donated Aircraft

From Helsingin Sanomat · () Finnish

Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Ukraine plans to buy 20 JAS Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden and will receive 16 donated JAS Gripen C/D aircraft.
  • Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Gripen is Ukraine's primary choice for its air force.
  • Experts believe the donated jets will immediately improve Ukraine's air defense, while future purchases will bolster its capabilities post-war and integrate it into European defense industries.

Ukraine intends to purchase 20 advanced JAS Gripen E/F fighter jets from Sweden, with an additional 16 JAS Gripen C/D aircraft to be donated, according to an announcement by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukraina on selvästi ilmoittanut, että Gripen on sen ensisijainen valinta pitkäaikaiseksi ilmavoimien kalustoksi ja että se haluaa ostaa uusinta mallia, Gripen E:tä

— Ulf KristerssonSwedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated Ukraine's preference for the Gripen fighter jet.

Kristersson emphasized that Ukraine has clearly identified the Gripen as its preferred long-term air force asset, particularly the latest E model. This significant deal aims to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities, which are crucial for countering intensified Russian drone and missile attacks. The initial donation of Gripen C/D jets is expected to provide an immediate boost to Ukraine's air defense.

Experts view the agreement as strategically beneficial for Ukraine's military. Joel Linnainmäki, a researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, suggests that the donated fighters will immediately strengthen air defense, while the subsequent purchases will enhance Ukraine's military capacity beyond the current conflict and integrate its armed forces more deeply into the European defense industry. This move also aligns with broader Nordic strategies to support Ukraine's defense procurement.

Lahjoitettavat hävittäjät palvelevat ilmapuolustuksen välitöntä vahvistamista. Ensi vuoden alusta on määrä sitten ostaa Ruotsilta hävittäjiä, joka taas luo Ukrainan sotavoimien kyvykyyttä myös mahdollisen sodan lopun jälkeen

— Joel LinnainmäkiJoel Linnainmäki, a researcher, explained the immediate and long-term benefits of the Gripen deal for Ukraine's air defense and military capabilities.

Ilmari Käihkö, a visiting researcher at the University of Helsinki's Aleksanteri Institute, noted that the JAS 39 Gripen is militarily capable and potentially superior to the F-16s Ukraine currently operates. He highlighted the Gripen's advantages, including its ability to use shorter runways, rapid refueling, and rearming capabilities. Käihkö also mentioned that Ukraine will receive Meteor air-to-air missiles, enhancing its ability to intercept Russian threats. The deal signifies a substantial commitment to equipping Ukraine with modern air power.

Sotilaallisilta kyvyiltään JAS Gripen on hyvä. Sitä on pidetty konetyyppinä parempana kuin Ukrainalla nyt olevia F-16-hävittäjiä

— Ilmari KäihköIlmari Käihkö, a visiting researcher, assessed the military capabilities of the JAS Gripen compared to other aircraft.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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