Ukraine's New Wings: The Gripen Fighter Jet Deal
Sweden and Ukraine have just made a significant agreement. They plan to send up to 150 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. These advanced aircraft are manufactured by Saab, a leading Swedish aerospace company. The agreement was officially signed by the leaders of both countries.
Why the Gripen Jets Are a Big Deal
The Gripen is a fourth-generation, lightweight, and high-speed fighter jet. It is versatile, capable of performing multiple roles such as:
- Air-to-air combat (fighting other aircraft)
- Bombing missions
- Intelligence gathering
Compared to newer fifth-generation jets like the F-35, the Gripen is more cost-effective, making it an attractive option for many air forces.
History and Capabilities of the Gripen
The Gripen has been in service since 1996 and has undergone several upgrades. The latest version, the Gripen E, was recently delivered to the Swedish Air Force. Over 280 Gripen jets have been produced so far.
These jets have seen real-world action:
- Used in a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia in 2024.
- Previously used for airspace patrolling.
- Deployed in NATO missions, including enforcing a no-fly zone in Libya in 2014.
Sweden's Aerospace Legacy
Sweden has been producing its own fighter jets since World War II. The Gripen was developed in the 1980s and competes with other well-known fighters like the F-16, Rafale, and Eurofighter.
Besides Ukraine, other countries using the Gripen include:
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Brazil
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
Technical Specifications of the Gripen E
- Length: ~15 meters
- Weight: 16.5 tonnes
- Quick Turnaround: Can be refueled and rearmed in just 10-20 minutes.
- Operational Flexibility: Can operate from rough airstrips, enhancing its tactical advantage.