Ukraine may gain access to long-range Taurus missiles through Swedish Gripen jets
Sweden has significantly accelerated plans to equip its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets with long-range Taurus cruise missiles, a development that could benefit Ukraine's future air capabilities as Kyiv moves forward with plans to acquire the Swedish aircraft
Defense Express reported the information.
Swedish Air Force Commander Major General Jonas Vikman told Defense News that the integration timeline has been "significantly moved to the left" from the original 2028 target date, with the capability now expected to be ready "very soon." Vikman emphasized the importance of this development, noting that Sweden currently lacks comprehensive long-range strike capabilities. Specific timelines remain classified for security reasons, but the accelerated program involves intensive cooperation between industry partners and the Defense Ministry's logistics management.
The advancement holds particular significance for Ukraine, which is planning to purchase Gripen E fighters and may receive older variants even sooner. Once operational, the Taurus-equipped Gripen would provide Ukrainian forces with access to one of Europe's most advanced standoff weapons systems.
The Taurus KEPD-350, developed by Taurus Systems GmbH—a joint venture between Sweden's Saab and Germany's MBDA Deutschland—features a range exceeding 500 kilometers and carries a 481-kilogram bunker-busting warhead. The missile has been repeatedly proposed for transfer to Ukraine, but Germany has consistently blocked such deliveries. While production had ceased, plans to resume manufacturing with the upgraded Neo version could change the equation, though timing and political considerations remain obstacles.
The missile has already been displayed mounted on Gripen aircraft at defense exhibitions, though actual launch tests have not yet been conducted. Defense experts estimate the full operational capability could arrive in 2026-2027, potentially allowing testing in Ukrainian combat conditions—provided Berlin makes the necessary political decision to approve such use.
The integration effort underscores how Russia's war in Ukraine has accelerated European defense modernization programs, with Sweden prioritizing capabilities that were previously scheduled years into the future.
- News