Sweden’s evolving stance on military support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion has drawn significant international attention, particularly regarding the potential transfer of Saab JAS-39 Gripen fighters. As of 2024, the Swedish government remains open to providing these advanced multi-role fighters to Ukraine, although no immediate plans for such a transfer exist. Sweden’s military aid to Ukraine, currently valued at over $4.6 billion, has been a crucial element of its contribution to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. Among the most recent aid packages is a significant $440 million commitment, of which $220 million is earmarked for material kits for the operational JAS-39C/D Gripen fighters.
Comparison Between JAS 39E and 20 Different Fighter Jets
| Fighter Jet | Country | Crew | Max Speed | Combat Range | Ferry Range | Thrust/Weight Ratio | Max Takeoff Weight | Payload | Radar | Avionics/Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAS 39E Gripen | Sweden | 1 | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h) | 1,500 km (930 mi) | 4,000 km (2,500 mi) | 1.04 | 16,500 kg (36,376 lb) | 7,200 kg (15,900 lb) | Leonardo PS-05/A Raven AESA | Advanced electronic warfare, data-linking systems |
| F-16 Fighting Falcon | USA | 1 | Mach 2 (2,414 km/h) | 1,370 km (850 mi) | 4,220 km (2,620 mi) | 1.095 | 19,200 kg (42,300 lb) | 7,700 kg (17,000 lb) | AN/APG-83 SABR AESA | Integrated HMD, advanced targeting systems |
| F-35 Lightning II | USA | 1 | Mach 1.6 (1,975 km/h) | 1,100 km (685 mi) | 2,800 km (1,740 mi) | 0.87 | 31,800 kg (70,000 lb) | 8,160 kg (18,000 lb) | AN/APG-81 AESA | Stealth technology, advanced data fusion, sensor integration |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | UK/Germany/Italy | 1 or 2 | Mach 2 (2,495 km/h) | 1,390 km (870 mi) | 3,790 km (2,350 mi) | 1.15 | 23,500 kg (51,800 lb) | 9,000 kg (19,800 lb) | Captor-E AESA | Advanced electronic warfare, air superiority |
| Dassault Rafale | France | 1 or 2 | Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h) | 1,850 km (1,150 mi) | 3,700 km (2,300 mi) | 1.13 | 24,500 kg (54,000 lb) | 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) | Thales RBE2 AESA | Multirole capability, nuclear strike |
| Sukhoi Su-35 | Russia | 1 | Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h) | 1,600 km (994 mi) | 3,600 km (2,240 mi) | 1.13 | 34,500 kg (76,060 lb) | 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) | Irbis-E PESA | Supermaneuverability, advanced sensors |
| Chengdu J-20 | China | 1 | Mach 2 (2,470 km/h) | 2,000 km (1,240 mi) | 5,500 km (3,420 mi) | Unknown | 37,013 kg (81,570 lb) | 11,000 kg (24,250 lb) | Type 1475 AESA | Stealth, advanced avionics |
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | USA | 1 or 2 | Mach 1.8 (1,900 km/h) | 1,297 km (805 mi) | 3,330 km (2,070 mi) | 0.93 | 29,900 kg (66,000 lb) | 8,050 kg (17,750 lb) | AN/APG-79 AESA | Carrier-capable, multirole |
| Mikoyan MiG-35 | Russia | 1 or 2 | Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h) | 1,000 km (621 mi) | 3,100 km (1,926 mi) | 1.14 | 29,700 kg (65,480 lb) | 6,500 kg (14,300 lb) | Zhuk-ME AESA | Advanced air combat systems, low maintenance costs |
| Saab JAS 39C Gripen | Sweden | 1 | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h) | 800 km (500 mi) | 3,200 km (2,000 mi) | 0.97 | 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) | 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) | PS-05/A Pulse-Doppler | NATO-compatible, lightweight, cost-efficient |
| Boeing F-15EX | USA | 1 or 2 | Mach 2.5 (3,017 km/h) | 1,967 km (1,222 mi) | 3,900 km (2,417 mi) | 1.12 | 37,000 kg (81,600 lb) | 13,000 kg (29,000 lb) | Raytheon AN/APG-82 AESA | High payload, air superiority |
| Sukhoi Su-57 | Russia | 1 | Mach 2 (2,135 km/h) | 1,750 km (1,087 mi) | 5,500 km (3,420 mi) | 1.19 | 35,000 kg (77,160 lb) | 10,000 kg (22,046 lb) | N036 Byelka AESA | Stealth technology, supermaneuverability |
| F-22 Raptor | USA | 1 | Mach 2.25 (2,414 km/h) | 800 km (497 mi) | 3,219 km (2,000 mi) | 1.08 | 38,000 kg (83,500 lb) | 10,000 kg (22,000 lb) | AN/APG-77 AESA | Stealth, air dominance, highly advanced avionics |
| HAL Tejas Mk 1A | India | 1 | Mach 1.6 (1,975 km/h) | 500 km (311 mi) | 3,000 km (1,864 mi) | 0.91 | 13,500 kg (29,800 lb) | 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) | EL/M-2052 AESA | Lightweight, multirole fighter |
| Shenyang J-31 | China | 1 | Mach 1.8 (1,975 km/h) | 1,250 km (777 mi) | 4,000 km (2,485 mi) | 1.00 | 25,000 kg (55,116 lb) | Unknown | Stealth, multirole | |
| KF-21 Boramae | South Korea | 1 | Mach 1.81 (2,200 km/h) | 1,450 km (900 mi) | 2,900 km (1,800 mi) | 1.11 | 25,600 kg (56,440 lb) | 7,700 kg (17,000 lb) | Hanwha AESA Radar | Stealth-oriented design, multirole |
| Rafale-M | France | 1 or 2 | Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h) | 1,850 km (1,150 mi) | 3,700 km (2,300 mi) | 1.13 | 24,500 kg (54,000 lb) | 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) | Thales RBE2 AESA | Carrier-capable, nuclear strike capability |
| Sukhoi Su-30MKI | Russia/India | 2 | Mach 2 (2,120 km/h) | 1,500 km (930 mi) | 3,000 km (1,864 mi) | 1.13 | 38,800 kg (85,540 lb) | 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) | Bars PESA | Super |
These material kits, designed to prevent cannibalization of older Gripens for parts, ensure Sweden can maintain its fleet of Gripen jets, while also leaving the door open for potential future transfers to Ukraine. This strategic move aligns with Sweden’s broader defense posture, which, in response to the Russian invasion, shifted from reducing its C/D Gripen fleet in favor of the newer E variants to a more robust approach aimed at expanding and maintaining a larger air force. Sweden’s long-term plan envisions a fleet of 120 Gripens by 2030, with a roughly even split between the C/D and E variants, providing a potential pool of aircraft for transfer to Ukraine. Yet, achieving this goal faces challenges, particularly with the time frame required to bring 60 E-variants into service.
At present, Sweden’s 97 C and D Gripen variants play a critical role in its national defense. While it has been speculated that around 37 C/D models could be made available to Ukraine, multiple factors could reduce this number. These include airframe fatigue, Sweden’s requirement to retain some of the D models for training purposes, and the Swedish Air Force’s overall need to maintain a fully functional and diverse fighter fleet. Despite these constraints, Sweden’s commitment to aiding Ukraine remains strong, with discussions ongoing at the governmental level about the possibility of supporting Ukraine with Gripens at a future date.
Sweden’s reluctance to commit to an immediate transfer of Gripens is also linked to Ukraine’s own strategic decisions regarding its air force. In 2023, an apparent disagreement between Stockholm and Kyiv surfaced when it was reported that Ukraine had turned down an offer of Gripen fighters in favor of incorporating F-16s from NATO nations. The F-16s, widely operated by NATO allies, offer a logistical advantage due to their abundance and the existing infrastructure to support them. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom remarked that Ukraine’s focus on the F-16 was a pragmatic decision, given the challenges of integrating multiple fighter systems into its air force. Nevertheless, Ukrainian officials, including Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the President’s Office, have denied any refusal of the Gripens, asserting that Ukraine remains keen on acquiring the Swedish fighters as part of its broader defense strategy.
The JAS-39 Gripen fighters, known for their versatility and efficiency, have long been seen as well-suited for Ukraine’s defense needs. Designed for distributed operations in harsh environments, the Gripens have a proven ability to operate from roadways and rough fields, making them ideal for the type of wartime conditions Ukraine faces. Their relatively low fuel consumption, advanced radar and avionics systems, and compatibility with a wide range of armaments from multiple nations further bolster their appeal. Despite these advantages, the introduction of the Gripens into Ukraine’s air force would not be without challenges, particularly in terms of maintenance and logistics, given that the Gripen is a Swedish design and not as widely supported within NATO as the F-16.
Sweden’s decision to purchase new material kits for the JAS-39E variant ensures that its existing fleet of C/D models will not be dismantled for parts, keeping the possibility of transferring those older variants to Ukraine alive. This move reflects Sweden’s strategic foresight, allowing for the flexibility to support Ukraine with Gripens at a later stage, should the geopolitical situation evolve to make such a transfer feasible. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson has emphasized that these steps are designed to maintain Sweden’s “freedom of action” regarding a potential future donation of Gripens to Ukraine, underscoring the careful balance Sweden seeks to strike between supporting Ukraine and maintaining its own defense capabilities.
Key Differences Between JAS 39C and JAS 39E
| Category | JAS 39C | JAS 39E |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 (single-seat) | 1 (single-seat) |
| Length | 14.9 m (48 ft 11 in) | 15.2 m (49 ft 10 in) |
| Wingspan | 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in) | 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in) |
| Empty Weight | 6,800 kg (14,991 lb) | 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) | 16,500 kg (36,376 lb) |
| Payload | 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) | 7,200 kg (15,900 lb) |
| Fuel Capacity (Internal) | 3,000 L (2,340 kg) | 4,360 L (3,400 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity (External) | 3,500 L (2,730 kg) | 4,535 L (3,537 kg) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Volvo RM12 afterburning turbofan | 1 × General Electric F414-GE-39E (RM16) |
| Thrust (Dry) | 54 kN (12,000 lbf) | 61.83 kN (13,900 lbf) |
| Thrust (With Afterburner) | 80.5 kN (18,100 lbf) | 98 kN (22,000 lbf) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h; 1,300 mph) | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h; 1,300 mph) |
| Combat Range | 800 km (500 mi) | 1,500 km (930 mi) |
| Ferry Range | 3,200 km (2,000 mi) | 4,000 km (2,500 mi) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 m (50,000 ft) | 16,000 m (52,000 ft) |
| g Limits | +9/−3 (+12 if needed) | +9/−3 |
| Wing Loading | 283 kg/m² (58 lb/sq ft) | 283 kg/m² (58 lb/sq ft) |
| Thrust/Weight Ratio | 0.97 | 1.04 |
| Takeoff Distance | 400 m (1,312 ft) | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
| Landing Distance | 500 m (1,640 ft) | 600 m (1,969 ft) |
| Radar | PS-05/A Pulse-Doppler | Leonardo PS-05/A Raven AESA |
| Hardpoints | 8 hardpoints | 10 hardpoints |
| Armament Capacity | 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) | 7,200 kg (15,900 lb) |
| Avionics | Cobra helmet-mounted display (HMD) | Advanced avionics for electronic warfare |
Beyond the potential transfer of Gripens, Sweden’s military aid to Ukraine has been extensive. The latest aid package, Sweden’s 17th since the Russian invasion, includes an unspecified number of RBS-70 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), six CB90-class fast-assault boats, anti-tank rounds, and other equipment aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. These contributions, which have totaled more than $4.6 billion since February 2022, are a clear demonstration of Sweden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently expressed gratitude for Sweden’s support, though he has not specifically addressed the potential transfer of Gripen fighters in his public statements. In a thank-you message following the announcement of the latest aid package, Zelensky highlighted the importance of Sweden’s contributions, particularly in enhancing Ukraine’s defense capabilities through the provision of air defense systems and anti-tank weapons. While the Gripens were not mentioned, the potential for their future transfer remains an important element of the broader conversation about military aid to Ukraine.
The question of whether Sweden will ultimately transfer Gripens to Ukraine hinges on several factors, including Sweden’s ability to bring the newer E variants into service, the evolving needs of the Ukrainian Air Force, and the broader geopolitical context. While the timeline for any such transfer remains uncertain, Sweden’s efforts to maintain the option of providing Gripens to Ukraine reflect the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. For Ukraine, acquiring Gripens could provide a significant boost to its air defense capabilities, complementing the F-16s and other systems being provided by NATO allies.
As the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, the role of international military aid in shaping the outcome of the conflict cannot be overstated. Sweden’s contributions, including the potential transfer of Gripen fighters, are a key part of this broader effort. While challenges remain, the possibility of Swedish Gripens flying over Ukrainian skies in the future is a testament to the enduring solidarity between Sweden and Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
| Variant | Description | Crew | Powerplant | Armament | Radar | Max Speed | Range |
| Gripen A | Initial single-seat version that entered service in 1996. Some upgraded to C standard or converted to D at 2:1 ratio. | 1 | Volvo RM12 (F404-derived) | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon, 7 hardpoints for various air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons | PS-05/A | Mach 2 | 800 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen B | Two-seat version for training and specialized missions. Cannon and internal fuel tank removed, airframe lengthened. | 2 | Volvo RM12 (F404-derived) | None (training version), 7 hardpoints for various weapons | PS-05/A | Mach 2 | 800 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen C | NATO-compatible single-seat version with extended armament, electronics, and in-flight refueling capabilities. Delivered in 2002. | 1 | Volvo RM12 (F404-derived) | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon, 7 hardpoints for air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons | PS-05/A | Mach 2 | 800 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen D | Two-seat version of JAS 39C, similar to JAS 39B with extended capabilities for training and specialized missions. | 2 | Volvo RM12 (F404-derived) | None (training version), 7 hardpoints for various weapons | PS-05/A | Mach 2 | 800 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen NG | Based on Gripen Demo. Features more powerful F414G engine, AESA radar, increased fuel capacity, payload, and additional hardpoints. | 1 | General Electric F414G | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27, 9 hardpoints, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bombs | Raven ES-05 AESA | Mach 2 | 1,300 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen E | Single-seat version developed from Gripen NG program. Ordered by Sweden and Brazil, priced at US$85 million per unit. | 1 | General Electric F414G | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27, 9 hardpoints, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bombs | Raven ES-05 AESA | Mach 2 | 1,300 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen F | Two-seat version of JAS 39E, optimized for air battle management, electronic warfare, jamming, and network attack. | 2 | General Electric F414G | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27, 9 hardpoints, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bombs | Raven ES-05 AESA | Mach 2 | 1,300 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen Aggressor | ‘Red team’ variant based on Gripen C/D, designed for adversary air training in UK and US Air Force. | 0 | Volvo RM12 (F404-derived) | None (weaponless training variant) | PS-05/A | Mach 2 | 800 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen Maritime | Carrier-based version based on Gripen E. Interest from Brazil and India for naval operations. Also known as Sea Gripen. | 1 | General Electric F414G | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27, multiple hardpoints, air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons | Raven ES-05 AESA | Mach 2 | 1,300 km (combat radius) |
| Gripen UCAV | Proposed unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) variant of Gripen E. | 0 | General Electric F414G | None (UCAV variant) | Raven ES-05 AESA | Unknown (depends on UCAV configuration) | Unknown |
| Gripen EA | Proposed electronic warfare or Electronic Attack variant based on Gripen F. | 2 | General Electric F414G | 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27, air-to-air, air-to-surface weapons, electronic warfare equipment | Raven ES-05 AESA | Mach 2 | 1,300 km (combat radius) |
APPENDIX 1 – Specifications
General characteristics: JAS 39C/D
| Characteristic | JAS 39C/D |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 (JAS 39C), 2 (JAS 39D) |
| Length | 14.9 m (48 ft 11 in) JAS 39C / 15.6 m (51 ft) JAS 39D |
| Wingspan | 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in) |
| Height | 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) |
| Wing area | 30 m² (320 sq ft) |
| Empty weight | 6,800 kg (14,991 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 14,000 kg (30,865 lb) |
| Fuel capacity (internal) | 3,000 L (790 US gal) (2,340 kg) |
| Fuel capacity (external) | 3,500 L (920 US gal) (2,730 kg) |
| Payload | 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) |
| Powerplant | 1 × Volvo RM12 afterburning turbofan engine, 54 kN (12,000 lbf) thrust dry, 80.5 kN (18,100 lbf) with afterburner |
Performance: JAS 39C/D
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h; 1,300 mph; 1,100 kn) at 15,240 m |
| Combat range | 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi) |
| Ferry range | 3,200 km (2,000 mi, 1,700 nmi) |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
| g limits | +9/−3 (+12 if needed) |
| Wing loading | 283 kg/m² (58 lb/sq ft) |
| Thrust/weight ratio | 0.97 |
| Takeoff distance | 400 m (1,312 ft) |
| Landing distance | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
Armament: JAS 39C/D
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Guns | 1 × 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 120 rounds (single-seat models only) |
| Hardpoints | 8 hardpoints with a capacity of 5,300 kg (11,700 lb) |
| Missiles | 6 × IRIS-T, 4 × MBDA Meteor, 4 × AGM-65 Maverick, 2 × Taurus KEPD 350, 2 × RBS-15F |
| Bombs | 4 × GBU-12 Paveway II, 8 × Mark 82, 16 × GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb |
| Other | 1 × ALQ-TLS ECM pod, 1 × Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod |
Avionics: JAS 39C/D
| Radar | PS-05/A Pulse-Doppler | | HMD | Cobra helmet mounted display (HMD) |
General characteristics: JAS 39E/F
| Characteristic | JAS 39E/F |
|---|---|
| Crew | 1 (JAS 39E), 2 (JAS 39F) |
| Length | 15.2 m (49 ft 10 in) JAS 39E / 15.9 m (52 ft) JAS 39F |
| Wingspan | 8.6 m (28 ft 3 in) |
| Height | 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) |
| Wing area | 30 m² (320 sq ft) |
| Empty weight | 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) |
| Max takeoff weight | 16,500 kg (36,376 lb) |
| Fuel capacity (internal) | 4,360 L (1,150 US gal) (3,400 kg) |
| Fuel capacity (external) | 4,535 L (3,537 kg) with 3 drop tanks |
| Payload | 7,200 kg (15,900 lb) |
| Powerplant | 1 × General Electric F414-GE-39E (RM16) afterburning turbofan engine, 61.83 kN (13,900 lbf) dry, 98 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburner |
Performance: JAS 39E/F
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Mach 2 (2,100 km/h; 1,300 mph; 1,100 kn) |
| Combat range | 1,500 km (930 mi, 810 nmi) |
| Ferry range | 4,000 km (2,500 mi, 2,200 nmi) |
| Service ceiling | 16,000 m (52,000 ft) |
| g limits | +9/−3 |
| Wing loading | 283 kg/m² (58 lb/sq ft) |
| Thrust/weight ratio | 1.04 |
| Takeoff distance | 500 m (1,640 ft) |
| Landing distance | 600 m (1,969 ft) |
Armament: JAS 39E/F
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Guns | 1 × 27 mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon with 120 rounds (single-seat models only) |
| Hardpoints | 10 hardpoints with a capacity of 7,200 kg (15,900 lb) |
| Missiles | 9 × IRIS-T, 7 × MBDA Meteor, 2 × Taurus KEPD 350, 6 × RBS-15F |
| Bombs | 7 × GBU-12 Paveway II, 8 × Mark 82, 16 × GBU-39, 12 × small-diameter glide bombs |
| Other | 1 × ALQ-TLS ECM pod, 1 × Digital Joint Reconnaissance Pod, 1 × Rafael Reccelite Reconnaissance Pod, 1 × Litening III Targeting Pod |
Avionics: JAS 39E/F
| Radar | Leonardo PS-05/A Raven AESA |
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