Gripen E planned to complement F-16s and Mirages with deeper strike and air-superiority roles

Today, the biggest news comes from Ukraine.

Recently, Ukraine started considering the Gripen E-fighter jet as an important option to meet the demands of modern warfare and strengthen its ability to confront future threats. The jet’s advanced technology and versatile capabilities will help make Ukraine’s military structure more organized, effective, and aligned with its long-term strategic goals.

On October 22, Ukraine signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 150 Gripen-E fighter jets from Sweden. However, since Sweden can manufacture approximately 20 to 30 Gripen E aircraft per year, delivering the 120 to 150 jets intended for Ukraine could take 10 to 15 years to complete. Therefore, immediately following the agreement, significant progress was made on production arrangements, with the Swedish defense company Saab actively evaluating the possibility of establishing a new Gripen-E production hubs throughout Europe or even inside of Ukraine.

This would provide a faster delivery time for necessary spare parts and equipment, while allowing Ukraine to have the first squadrons operational by 2028.

Given the Gripen E’s lead time, Sweden is also considering deploying its existing Gripen CD jets to Ukraine as an interim capability, having already sent replacement parts for 14 aircraft-clearly indicating their preparation for future transfer.

The Gripen E is an advanced fighter aircraft system designed to counter evolving, high-tech threats on the modern battlefield. Its powerful suite of sensors is highly effective at creating a comprehensive situational picture during combat: the Aesa radar rapidly and accurately detects multiple targets, the IRST silently tracks heat signatures of enemy aircraft, and the advanced Electronic Warfare system disrupts enemy radars and communications to ensure the aircraft’s protection.

Data from these sensors is integrated to form a unified operational picture, shared in real-time across the entire tactical unit. As a result, the pilot can see, understand, and decide first, a major advantage over its Russian counterparts.

Additionally, the Gripen-E demonstrates remarkable flexibility and power in weapons carriage. Its 10 hardpoints can simultaneously carry seven Meteor BVR missiles, two Iris-T missiles, and other advanced weapons, making the jet highly effective in air-to-air, air-to-surface, and reconnaissance missions.

While Ukraine currently uses F-16’s and Mirages mainly for countering drones and missiles, the Gripen-E is capable not only of defense but also of conducting large-scale offensive operations, able to contest Russian-controlled airspace over Ukraine in a way Ukraine currently cannot.

If the Gripen-E is added to Ukraine’s Air Force, the country’s operational performance, defense posture, and long-term military capability will significantly strengthen.

First, the Gripen E’s side-mounted air intakes protect the engine from debris, stones, and damaged runway fragments. This means the jet can safely take off and land even when runways are partially destroyed by bombing, drone strikes, or missile attacks. As a result, even if Russia disables major air bases, Ukraine will still be able to conduct air defense operations from temporary or partially repaired airstrips.

Second, one of the Gripen E’s greatest advantages is its extremely fast turnaround time, about 10 minutes. With minimal ground crew and very limited equipment, the aircraft can be quickly refueled and rearmed for the next mission. For a country like Ukraine, which faces frequent drone and missile attacks, this capability is critical because it allows jets to take to the air multiple times a day. This helps counter Russia’s air pressure, enabling rapid responses, timely defensive action, and quick retaliatory strikes when necessary.

Third, the Gripen E is highly cost-effective and easy to maintain. Even compared to older Soviet-era aircraft, it requires less maintenance, parts can be replaced faster, and routine servicing takes less time and fewer personnel. This will allow Ukraine to maintain a capable, consistently operational, and combat-ready fighter fleet even with a limited defense budget-strengthening its ability to sustain air operations throughout the ongoing war.

Overall, Sweden's decision to purchase Gripen-E fighter jets marks a significant step toward modernizing Ukraine's air defense and military capabilities. With advanced sensors, AI capabilities, rapid turnaround, and ease of maintenance, the Gripen-E-will deliver enhanced effectiveness and reliability in combat. Its capability to operate from damaged or temporary runways will provide Ukraine with greater flexibility in both offensive and defensive operations. This move will play a vital role in strengthening Ukraine’s aerial combat readiness and contribute to regional stability.