Ministry of Defense Confirmation
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has confirmed that Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighters will be transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Deputy Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Ivan Havrylyuk told the BBC that, in addition to Gripens, American F-16s and French Mirages are also expected.
Havrylyuk declined to reveal numbers or timelines:
“When you see them in the air over Ukraine, then you will understand,” he said.
Weapons Supply Mechanisms
Since mid-2025, many deliveries have shifted to the PURL mechanism (Priority Urgent Requirements List), under which European partners and Canada jointly purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine.
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Joint purchases worth ~$2 billion have already been agreed.
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First deliveries under PURL are already in Ukraine.
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Havrylyuk noted that the pace is slower than earlier U.S. presidential assistance packages (PDA) due to additional supply-chain steps.
About the JAS 39 Gripen
The Gripen is a Swedish 4th-generation multi-role fighter produced by SAAB.
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Pilot training: Sweden authorized Ukrainian pilot training in 2023, though focus remained on F-16s.
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Variants: Gripen E (fighter), Gripen F (trainer), Gripen Maritime (carrier-based).
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Global operators: Sweden (90 in service, +60 by 2030), Brazil, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, Colombia (pending), Peru (interest declared).
Combat Performance
The Gripen saw its first combat in July 2025 during the four-day Thailand–Cambodia war, operating jointly with Erieye radar systems. Following the conflict, Thailand ordered an additional four Gripen E/F for $600 million.
Technical Specifications
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Crew: 1 (E) / 2 (F)
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Wingspan: 8.6 m
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Max take-off weight: 16.5 t
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Payload: up to 7.2 t
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Engine: GE F414G, 10,000 kgf with afterburner
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Suspension points: 10
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Combat radius: ~1,500 km
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Unit price: $30–60 million
Political and Export Context
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Gripen production involves ~30% U.S.-made components, including its GE engine.
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ITAR regulations allow Washington to influence exports, as seen in negotiations with Colombia.
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In 2024, SAAB’s CEO called for stronger European defense independence, though the company remains careful not to confront U.S. restrictions.
Air Defense Boost: Patriots from Germany
Separately, Germany — together with Norway — plans to deliver two additional Patriot air defense systems by the end of 2025.
This follows a wave of Russian attacks involving 580+ drones and 40+ missiles, highlighting Ukraine’s urgent need for layered air defense.
✅ Bottom line: The addition of Swedish Gripens — alongside F-16s, Mirages, and more Patriots — marks a new phase of Ukraine’s defense buildup, diversifying its fleet while ensuring long-term integration with NATO-standard systems.
