“Sweden is also preparing one of the largest packages of security assistance for Ukraine.”, — write: www.unian.ua
Sweden is also preparing one of the largest packages of security assistance for Ukraine.
Fedorov discussed with Jonson the transfer of Gripen fighters to Ukraine / photo: WikipediaThe Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the transfer of Gripen aircraft and Meteor missiles with the Minister of Defense of Sweden Paul Jonson, the Telegram channel of the Ministry of Defense reports.
“Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov discussed countering ballistics through PURL, the launch of the Brave–Sweden defense innovation program and the transfer of Gripen aircraft and Meteor missiles with Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonsson,” the message reads.
The Ministry of Defense also added that Sweden is preparing one of the largest packages of security assistance for Ukraine, which includes air defense systems, radars from Saab, electronic warfare systems and drones – in particular for long-range strikes (deep strikes).
Gripen fighters or “Swedish griffins”
Gripen E or Saab JAS 39E is a modern Swedish-designed and manufactured multi-role fighter designed to perform tasks in the air, on land and at sea.
As noted by RBC-Ukraine, Ukraine has long been interested in Swedish aircraft. The Gripen issue remains relevant, although the Ukrainian military is currently armed with American F-16 fighters and French Mirage aircraft.
It is noteworthy that in 2023, Sweden granted permission to train Ukrainian pilots on these fighters. Then the Swedish parliament supported the supply of aircraft to Ukraine. The publication noted that in this way the groundwork was being prepared for the transfer of fighter jets to our country.
The Swedish multipurpose fighter of the fourth generation is produced by the Saab company. Its name comes from a mythical creature – a griffin, which symbolizes divine power.
Design of the aircraft began in 1979, the first flight took place in 1988, and in 1997 the Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force. In total, the company produced approximately 250 aircraft, each costing from 30 to 60 million dollars, depending on the modification.
The JAS 39 Gripen E is an improved version of the previous models of the aircraft, which has improved characteristics and capabilities.
Main characteristics of Gripen E:
- The engine is a General Electric F414-GE-39E, providing up to 22,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner. It offers 25% more thrust compared to previous models, improving its maneuverability and efficiency;
- Radar – active phased array antenna (AESA) Raven ES-05 provides high accuracy and range after detecting targets;
- Weapons Systems – The Gripen E is equipped with 10 suspension points, enabling it to carry a wide range of weapons, including Meteor, IRIS-T, Taurus missiles and various types of air-to-ground and air-to-air bombs and missiles.
- Avionics – a modern system of flight control and sensors provides a high degree of integration and automation. The cabin is equipped with multifunctional displays and a control system using voice commands;
- Mobility and support – the fighter is designed to effectively perform combat missions in various climatic conditions and is able to be based on airfields with limited infrastructure. This makes the aircraft versatile for operation in a wide variety of operational environments.
The publication notes that, in addition to Sweden, this aircraft is also used in Brazil and the Czech Republic. It continues to be modernized to meet modern requirements.
As for Meteor missiles, their declared range is more than 200 kilometers. This is much more than the capabilities of the F-16 fighters that Ukraine has in its aircraft fleet today.
The publication shared that the missile can be used by used Gripen C/D fighters, which Ukraine would like to receive in 2026. Targeting will be provided by Saab 340 AEW&C anti-aircraft defense aircraft, two units of which Sweden also promised to Ukraine.
Gripen fighters for Ukraine: the latest newsEarlier, UNIAN reported that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that his country is ready to provide Ukraine with aircraft and resources for demining the Black Sea in case of signing a peace agreement with Russia. Kristersson added that in this way, Sweden will contribute to security guarantees for Ukraine and the rest of Europe. At the same time, according to the Prime Minister, it will be necessary to obtain the official approval of this decision by the Swedish Parliament.
We also wrote that German Taurus cruise missiles will be installed on Swedish Gripen fighters. The Swedish Air Force has said that the country will soon be able to deliver deep strikes far behind enemy lines thanks to such integration. The commander of the Swedish Air Force, Major General Jonas Wikman, shared that the work was completed even before the established deadlines. He called the future implementation of this weapon “a huge step”, because before the country did not have any capabilities for deep strikes or offensive counter-air combat.
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