Ukraine Modernizes Soviet Combat Aircraft with Saab
- KYIV, Ukraine – While the potential transfer of Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine remains on hold, discussions are underway to integrate advanced Swedish technology into Ukraine's...
- The JAS-39 Gripen C/D, manufactured by Saab, has been considered a strong candidate to bolster the Ukrainian air force due to its ability to operate from highways, reducing...
- Last year, Sweden considered donating a dozen Gripen aircraft to Ukraine, with initial talks commencing in the summer of 2023.
Ukraine Eyes Swedish Tech for Soviet-Era Aircraft Amid Gripen Delay
Table of Contents
- Ukraine Eyes Swedish Tech for Soviet-Era Aircraft Amid Gripen Delay
- Ukraine and Sweden: A Look at Aviation Cooperation Amidst Conflict
- Why is Ukraine considering Swedish technology for its aircraft?
- What is the JAS-39 Gripen, and why was it considered for Ukraine?
- Why has the transfer of Gripen fighter jets been delayed?
- What is the focus instead of the Gripen jets?
- Has Sweden provided any support to Ukraine’s air force?
- What kind of new cooperation is planned between Sweden and Ukraine?
- What types of Soviet-era aircraft does the Ukrainian Air Force operate?
- What are the potential benefits of this cooperation for Ukraine and Sweden?
- what is the status of the JAS-39 Gripen discussion?
- What advanced warning aircraft has Sweden delivered to Ukraine?
KYIV, Ukraine – While the potential transfer of Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine remains on hold, discussions are underway to integrate advanced Swedish technology into Ukraine’s existing fleet of Soviet-designed combat aircraft, according to Ukrainian defence officials.
Gripen’s Suitability and the F-16 Focus
The JAS-39 Gripen C/D, manufactured by Saab, has been considered a strong candidate to bolster the Ukrainian air force due to its ability to operate from highways, reducing its dependence on possibly targeted air bases. The Gripen also boasts advanced electronic warfare capabilities and can deploy long-range air-to-air missiles. However, the focus has shifted to the American-designed F-16, with donations pledged from the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway.
Last year, Sweden considered donating a dozen Gripen aircraft to Ukraine, with initial talks commencing in the summer of 2023. However, the plan was put on hold.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated in May 2024 that other nations within the F-16 coalition urged Sweden to postpone the Gripen transfer. “Our partners point out that the simultaneous introduction of two air combat systems is very complex and that it is indeed now necessary to focus on the entry into service of the F-16 in the Ukrainian air force,” Jonson said.
Despite this, France announced its donation of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine.
New Cooperation on the Horizon
Although the Gripen sale is currently suspended, Sweden has already supplied Ukraine with spare parts to support at least fourteen aircraft. Now, cooperation between Stockholm and Kyiv is expanding.
On May 23, Oleksandr Kozenko, Ukraine’s deputy defense minister for aviation growth, met with a Swedish delegation led by Thomas Lindén, Saab’s director of Ukrainian affairs.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, discussions centered on “modernization of planes [of combat] soviet design with the integration of an advanced avionics” system of Swedish origin.
This potential collaboration would encompass ”advanced radars, defensive equipment, and electronic warfare countermeasures,” the ministry stated.
Modernizing Soviet-Era Fleet
The exact number of aircraft potentially involved remains unclear due to the ongoing attrition suffered by the Ukrainian air force.The Ukrainian air force still operates MiG-29 FULCRUM, SU-24 “FENCER”, SU-27 “FLANKER” and SU-25 “Frogfoot” aircraft. Some of these have been modified to carry western munitions, such as the AASM “Hammer,” the Scalp/Storm Shadow, or the AGM-88 Harm.
Kozenko stated that this cooperation “will be mutually beneficial as Ukraine will improve the capacities of its planes while Sweden will draw lessons from the experience acquired thanks to their commitment to combat.”
The potential transfer and support of JAS-39 Gripen aircraft were also discussed during the meeting.
Participants “examined the current agreements and described the measures to be made if a favorable political decision was made to transfer new aeronautical platforms manufactured in Sweden,” the Ukrainian ministry concluded.
Advanced Warning Aircraft Already Delivered
While the Gripen sale is on hold, Sweden has already delivered Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft (also known as ASC 890) to Ukraine. These advanced warning and control aircraft are equipped with a PS-890 AESA radar, associated with the ERIEYE system, capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, missiles, and ships within a 400 km radius. The first aircraft was delivered in April.
Ukraine and Sweden: A Look at Aviation Cooperation Amidst Conflict
Why is Ukraine considering Swedish technology for its aircraft?
Ukraine is exploring options to bolster its air force against the ongoing conflict, while the potential transfer of Swedish JAS-39 gripen fighter jets is on hold. Discussions are centered on integrating advanced Swedish technology into Ukraine’s existing fleet of Soviet-designed combat aircraft. According to Ukrainian defense officials, this approach offers a path to modernize their air capabilities, even as the focus shifts elsewhere.
What is the JAS-39 Gripen, and why was it considered for Ukraine?
the JAS-39 Gripen C/D, manufactured by Saab, is a multirole fighter jet. It was initially considered by Ukraine for its potential to enhance the nation’s air defense capabilities. the Gripen’s strengths include:
Highway Operations: The ability to operate from highways, reducing reliance on possibly targeted air bases.
Electronic Warfare capabilities: Advanced systems for disrupting enemy radar and communications.
Long-Range Missiles: The capacity to deploy air-to-air missiles that can strike targets at extended ranges.
Why has the transfer of Gripen fighter jets been delayed?
The plan to donate Gripen aircraft to Ukraine has been put on hold. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that partners within the F-16 coalition urged Sweden to postpone the Gripen transfer. The reason cited was the complexity of introducing two different air combat systems together. The priority has shifted towards the integration of American-designed F-16 fighter jets into the Ukrainian Air Force.
What is the focus instead of the Gripen jets?
The focus in terms of new air combat systems is the American-designed F-16. Several nations have pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine, including the Netherlands, Denmark, belgium, and Norway.
Has Sweden provided any support to Ukraine’s air force?
Yes, although the sale of Gripen aircraft is suspended, Sweden has already supplied Ukraine with spare parts to support at least fourteen aircraft. This support signifies a continued commitment to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
What kind of new cooperation is planned between Sweden and Ukraine?
New cooperation is focused on modernizing the Soviet-era fleet of Ukrainian combat aircraft. On May 23, 2024, a meeting took place between Ukrainian and swedish officials. Discussions centered on integrating advanced Swedish-made avionics systems into existing Ukrainian aircraft. This would involve the integration of advanced radars, defensive equipment, and electronic warfare countermeasures.
What types of Soviet-era aircraft does the Ukrainian Air Force operate?
The Ukrainian Air Force still utilizes a variety of Soviet-era aircraft, including:
MiG-29 “FULCRUM”
Su-24 “FENCER”
Su-27 ”FLANKER”
* Su-25 “Frogfoot”
Some of these aircraft have been modified to carry Western munitions.
What are the potential benefits of this cooperation for Ukraine and Sweden?
This collaboration is expected to be mutually beneficial. ukraine will enhance the capabilities of its existing aircraft through modernization. Sweden will gain valuable insights from the experience acquired in combat operations.
what is the status of the JAS-39 Gripen discussion?
The potential transfer and ongoing support of JAS-39 gripen aircraft were also discussed during the meeting between Ukrainian and Swedish officials. Participants reviewed current agreements and looked at the measures to be taken should a decision be made to transfer new aeronautical platforms from Sweden.
What advanced warning aircraft has Sweden delivered to Ukraine?
Sweden has delivered Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, also known as ASC 890, to Ukraine. these aircraft are equipped with a PS-890 AESA radar, which is part of the ERIEYE system. This radar is capable of detecting and tracking aircraft, missiles, and ships within a 400 km radius. The first aircraft delivery occured in April.
Here’s a summary of the key aircraft types mentioned:
| Aircraft | Manufacturer | Primary Role | Status in Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAS-39 Gripen C/D | Saab (Sweden) | Multirole fighter | Potential Transfer on Hold |
| F-16 | Lockheed Martin (US) | Multirole Fighter | Planned Donations |
| MiG-29 “FULCRUM” | Mikoyan (Soviet Union) | Multirole Fighter | In active service |
| Su-24 “FENCER” | Sukhoi (Soviet Union) | Strike Fighter | In active service |
| Su-27 “FLANKER” | Sukhoi (Soviet Union) | Air Superiority Fighter | In active service |
| su-25 “Frogfoot” | Sukhoi (Soviet Union) | Close Air Support | In active service |
| Saab 340 AEW&C (ASC 890) | saab (Sweden) | Airborne Early Warning and Control | Delivered |