“According to analysts, one should be prepared for the fact that the sale of such aircraft to Ukraine may not be in the interests of the United States.”, — write: www.unian.ua
According to analysts, one should be prepared for the fact that the sale of such aircraft to Ukraine may not be in the interests of the United States.
Gripen is subject to possible export restrictions from the USA / photo ua.depositphotos.comThe latest events regarding the purchase of JAS 39 Gripen from Saab in South America lead to the fact that now the plan to purchase 100-150 Swedish fighters by Ukraine should be looked at differently, because these aircraft may become hostages of the US policy. Defense Express writes about it.
“In particular, Peru, which was half a step away from purchasing the Gripen after the political crisis and a complete change of power, changed its mind dramatically and decided to buy the F-16. At the same time, the arguments of the Ministry of Defense look rather far-fetched and will not withstand criticism. Except for one thing, they say, it is better to buy an American fighter, because it is a “symbol of a strong alliance with the United States”, experts emphasized.
At the same time, according to analysts, Colombia’s formalized purchase of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets from Saab almost immediately fell into a corruption scandal that could be revenge for the United States. However, US President Donald Trump has now put Colombia in line with Venezuela, accusing the countries of smuggling the vast majority of drugs to the US. Therefore, as Defense Express writes, in this situation it is quite optimistic to expect that Washington will allow them to be sold.
“Because, despite the fact that Gripen is a Swedish fighter, it is subject to possible export restrictions from the United States, the so-called ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations – International Arms Trade Regulations), due to the American F414 engine from General Electric and possibly some other components of the fighter. That is, if Washington prohibits the sale of its components, then Colombia, like any other customer of these aircraft, will be left without fighters,” – they add material
Brazil is also at risk, because a year ago it was reported that the US Department of Justice was investigating the purchase of Swedish fighter jets in 2014. Then, due to the contracting of these planes, a corruption scandal also occurred, which went through the courts and remained unproven. At the same time, the country’s president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who had already returned to power, was accused and even served time in prison for other corruption crimes that were proven.
“Ultimately, it is quite possible that Washington is simply protecting its “backyard”, South America. Before that, the US did not allow Chinese Chengdu JF-17s to Argentina, which were offered on very favorable terms. And this happened by reducing the number of fighters for Ukraine, because Washington sold used F-16s from Denmark in April 2023. At the same time, Argentina will receive the first combat fighters only now,” Defense Express emphasized.
However, if China’s admission to the South American defense market could really be considered a “red line” in the US, then the elimination of competitors from the market of Peru and Colombia is already affecting the partner from Europe, experts noted. Thus, according to analysts, this may appear in a new paradigm of the US foreign policy course.
“And therefore, it is necessary to be prepared for the fact that in Washington they will come to a decision that the sale of JAS 39 Gripen to Ukraine does not correspond to the current interests of the United States. And this agreement may well be blocked under any pretext, in particular through another accusation of corruption, as it has already been successfully practiced in South America,” the material reminded.
Fighter jets for Ukraine – the latest newsEarlier, Politico wrote that Ukraine’s plans to purchase Gripen and Rafale fighter jets will face serious difficulties. According to experts, the main problem is that the Rafale partnership “will take a long time and cannot be a response to immediate emergencies on the battlefield.”
In addition, the production capacity of Western fighter companies and their delays in fulfilling orders is also a serious obstacle.
At the same time, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal answered when Ukraine can receive the first Gripen. He noted that the first Gripen combat aircraft may appear next year, and it will be possible to completely localize the production of this aircraft on Ukrainian territory from 2033.
“We ask that Ukraine have Gripen of the previous class “C” and “D” as soon as possible. We insist that it be 2026. And we are negotiating with partners about this. And the production of Gripen “E” will take place a little later, but within very close limits,” the politician emphasized.
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