Eagerly awaiting the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Ukraine may also be close to receiving another fighter jet model. Sweden continues to study the transfer of its JAS-39 Gripen, now that the country is part of NATO. 

In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson confirmed that Stockholm is still exploring the possibility of sending Gripens to the Ukrainian Air Force. 

“Deliberations are ongoing and are taking place within the fighter coalition”, Jonson told the Ukrainian portal. The coalition mentioned by the head of the ministry is the same one formed by the United States and European countries, which will provide the F-16 to Kiev. In total, 14 nations, all NATO allies and including Sweden itself, are coordinating efforts to deliver the F-16s and teach Ukrainians how to operate the 'new' planes. 

Russia and Ukraine have been at war for more than two years and the invaded country has been asking for fighter planes since the start of the conflict. The aircraft were initially denied, but the situation changed last year when the US authorized the sending of F-16s, which are expected to arrive in Ukraine from May/June.

As for the Gripens, Sweden also denied sending the fighters at first. But as their support for Kiev increased, the possibilities increased and in September 2023 the Swedes Studies began to supply JAS-39s to Ukraine. In November 2022, a study by the British think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) pointed out the Saab Gripen as the best fighter to be sent to the Ukrainians.

While the F-16s – and possibly the Saab Gripen – do not arrive, the Ukrainian Air Force employs MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters and Su-24 and Su-25 attack jets to defend itself against the Russians. The planes were adapted to use Western munitions, such as anti-radar and cruise missiles and smart bombs. 

Still considering the transfer of fighter jets, Sweden is also following other NATO allies to fill the gap left by the reduction in US aid, which has been blocked for months by internal political disputes. Minister Jonson said Europe must “step up” its support and “compensate for some of the support that is waning”.