Sweden pauses sending JAS-39 Gripen to Ukraine

28 May, 2024 SAAB JAS-39E Gripen fighter of the Swedish Air Force.

2023. Photo credits: flickr.com Sweden has paused the plan to provide Ukraine with JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets for the sake of F-16 integration.

Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson announced this, according to Reuters. Informed sources in the Swedish authorities reported this information to BBC Ukraine the day before. The reason is that Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are already preparing to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, so the JAS-39 Green should wait so as not to interfere with the aviation coalition.

"We were persuaded by other members of the aviation coalition to hold off on the Gripen," Johnson says.

Paul Jonson. Photo from open sources

At the same time, Sweden's Minister of Defense does not exclude that the country would provide Ukraine with its aircraft in the future. "But now, the focus for Ukraine is to implement the F-16 aircraft acceptance program," the Minister added.

Sweden has long been preparing to transfer Gripen jets to Ukraine, and this plan was to be implemented after the country joined NATO and received security guarantees. In this situation, it could afford to share a part of the fleet of new combat aircraft. In 2023, Ukrainian combat pilots have already completed introductory training on JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.

Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, 2022. Photo credits: Andy Scrutton

The training of Ukrainian pilots included training on simulators and practical flights on JAS 39 Gripen fighters. According to the latest data, Ukraine might start receiving F-16s in the coming time.

The first group of Ukrainian pilots completed training on F-16 fighter jets in the United States.