Ukraine expects additional deliveries of F-16s, as well as French Mirage and Swedish Gripen jets - the latter for the first time.
Gripen fighters could help counter air and drone attacks by Russia.
Ukrainian Air Force will form part of “multi-layered” lines of defense against Russian Shaheds and other airborne threats, Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Lt. Gen. Ivan Havryliuk said in an interview with the BBC.
Asked on when and how many jets Ukraine expects, Havryliuk replied: “When you see them in the skies over Ukraine, then you’ll know.”
He declined to detail what, when and where exactly would appear.
Havryliuk warned Russia will continue to intensify airstrikes on Ukraine while increasing the number of munitions.
During the latest large-scale attack, Russian forces used nearly 600 drones and 50 missiles of various types.
“In 2023, when they first began to be used, they had four-channel antennas and were relatively vulnerable to electronic warfare. Now drones carry 16-channel systems that can change frequencies and slip through jamming zones. Combined with mass-strike tactics, such drones are more effective than before,” Havryliuk said.
That’s why “multi-layered” defenses are needed. The protection network includes surface-to-air missile systems, mobile fire teams, interceptor drones, electronic warfare to jam control links, and combat aviation.
Ukraine also urgently needs additional air-defense systems. Kyiv has asked partners for at least 10 Patriot medium-range systems capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, including the Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missile.
“Strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses is an investment in the security of all Europe,” Havryliuk emphasized.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multirole supersonic fighter with a canard-delta layout, known for high maneuverability and a relatively modest weapons load.
It needs just 400 meters for takeoff and 500 meters for landing, meaning a 16-meter-wide roadway can serve as a runway in a pinch.
The jet can detect aerial targets at up to 120 km and moving ground targets at up to 70 km. Gripen can track up to 10 targets at once and engage four simultaneously.
Key specifications of the JAS 39 Gripen:
- Crew: 1 (E version) / 2 (F version)
- Wingspan: 8.6 m
- Maximum takeoff weight: 16.5 t
- Payload: up to 7.2 t
- Engine: 10,000 kgf with afterburner
- Hardpoints: 8; carries air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs, including precision munitions. Compatible with AIM-120 AMRAAM, MBDA missiles, GBU-12 precision bombs, as well as cruise and anti-ship missiles
- Combat radius: 1,500 km
- Gun: 27 mm Mauser BK-27, 1,700 rounds per minute
Gripen is cheaper and smaller than the F-16 — but produced in far smaller numbers. By 2024, about 300 Gripens had been built, compared with more than 4,500 F-16s. That could mean shortages if Ukraine needs rapid replacements or spare parts.
Ukrainian experts have repeatedly raised the possibility of strengthening the air force with Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen, made by Saab, noting Ukraine already operates Saab equipment - for example, the ASC 890 airborne early warning aircraft.
In early September, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson said Sweden is ready to consider selling the newest JAS 39 Gripen E to Ukraine, but only under a long-term agreement and after the war ends. Countries in Latin America have also signaled interest in the JAS 39 Gripen.
