The decision by Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands to provide F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv has made the provision of Gripen jets to Ukraine a more discussed topic in the Swedish government.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.
If Sweden decides to send the planes, experts suggest that it could take up to a year before they arrive in Ukraine, as pilots and engineers will need training with unfamiliar systems.
It is noted that Gripen can significantly help Ukraine control its airspace, as they are considered relatively cheap and easy to maintain. Aircraft can also operate from shorter, narrower runways, including makeshift runways on straight sections of highways.
This reduces the risk of aircraft congestion at a large base and their destruction as a result of a single enemy attack. In addition, the aircraft have special equipment to counter Russian fighters and surface-to-air radar systems.
Gripen fighters
It should be noted that the Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft that was designed with versatility in mind. Formally, it belongs to the fighter class, but it was conceived as a multi-purpose aircraft capable of performing various tasks.
At the end of May, the Swedish government allowed Ukrainian pilots to train on the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. They will be able to train on simulators and make test flights.
