Sweden abandoned plans to send Gripen fighters to Ukraine: what is the reason

Sweden pauses sending JAS-39/Collage 24 Channel, Getty Images (Illustrative photos)

Several states asked Sweden “slow down” plans to send Gripen fighters to Ukraine. This is due to the focus on the supply of F-16 aircraft.

The head of the Swedish Ministry of Defense, Paul Johnson, told the TT news agency in Brussels writes Aftonbladet. For details about the situation, read further in the material.

Sweden pauses shipment of JAS-39

According to the Swedish minister, other countries in the air defense coalition have asked Sweden to wait on the delivery of the Gripen system.

This is due to the fact that the focus now is on the implementation of the F-16 system, explained Jonson.

Let us note that Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway promised to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters. It is expected that the first aircraft will be delivered this year.

We in no way rule out that in the future this (Gripen deliveries – 24 Channel ) may become relevant, but now the main attention of the Ukrainian side is focused on the implementation of the F-16 program, noted the head of the Swedish Ministry of Defense.

He also added that the current supply of Gripen does not comply coalition views on the introduction of two fighter aircraft systems simultaneously.

What kind of fighter is the JAS 39 Gripen

JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role fighter developed by the Swedish by Saab. It was adopted by the Swedish Air Force in 1997 and has since been exported to several other countries. Note that these aircraft have one big advantage, because they carry almost all the weapons of European NATO countries. The F-16 does not lift some aircraft weapons; it must be equipped for this.

What was said earlier: briefly

• The Swedish Foreign Ministry stated on January 17 that they do not rule out providing Ukraine with Gripen aircraft. However, the adoption of the corresponding decision will be connected with the Kingdom’s entry into NATO.
• Already in March of this year, the head of the Swedish Ministry of Defense Paul Jonson, after the final entry into the North Atlantic Alliance, noted that the country does not exclude the possibility of supplying its Gripen fighters to Ukraine. Then Jonson noted that discussions on this idea were ongoing. After all, Sweden has officially become a member of the North Atlantic Alliance.