Ukraine considers Gripen fighters for enhanced air defense

Defense Express writes about it.

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to Sweden, a significant revelation emerged - Ukrainian pilots are presently undergoing "familiarization training" on JAS 39 Gripen fighters. This training program, announced by the Swedish government in May, is a step toward integrating these advanced aircraft into Ukraine's arsenal. Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk underscored the Gripen's importance, ranking it just below the F-16 in priority due to its impressive capabilities. Trained pilots from the 2016 cohort are being tasked with mastering the Swedish aircraft.

The process of procuring the Gripen, however, is not without its complexities. As pointed out by Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, the acquisition of JAS 39 Gripen planes requires clearance from other countries involved in supplying components for these aircraft, including the United States.

At a glance, the appeal of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen is evident, making them a coveted asset for Ukraine's defense. Yet, a more comprehensive assessment is essential to offer a balanced view of these aircraft's attributes.

While the Gripen fighters can operate for extended durations from remote sites, they eventually need to return to their main bases to ensure stable maintenance cycles.

A case in point is the Hungarian Air Force, which deployed its JAS 39 Gripens for NATO's "air police" mission in Lithuania. The fighters operated smoothly during four months of patrols but eventually required base return for technical reasons. Additionally, Sweden's offer to provide air-to-air missiles of the Rb 99 type to Ukraine via intermediary channels like the USA highlights the critical role of these missiles in Gripen operations.

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The Rb 99 missile serves as the primary air-to-air weapon for the Swedish Air Force, optimized for engagements at distances of around 70 km, the typical range of aerial combat. Swedish Gripen pilots are extensively trained for such scenarios.

A pertinent historical example is China's 2015 joint exercises with the Thai Air Force, involving battles between Chinese Su-27SK and Thai JAG 39 Gripen jets. These four-day exercises revealed the Gripens' clear advantage at distances exceeding 30 km and 50 km, while the Su-27SK excelled in close-range engagements. Despite the eight-year gap, the lessons hold relevance for Ukraine today, underscoring that JAS 39 Gripen surpasses even the Soviet-era Su-27 and MiG-29.

In considering the potential inclusion of Gripen fighters in the Armed Forces, expectations should be focused - primarily on replacing aging Soviet aircraft and bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities.