Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
Sweden has begun funding the potential donation of Gripens to Ukraine. (Photo: Saab Aerospace)
The Swedish Government has committed a further SEK4.6 billion to Ukraine’s defence in a package that includes UAS, anti-aircraft systems and grenade launchers, as well as items for Gripen fighter aircraft.
The support package includes transfers of marine equipment worth approximately SEK500 million. Land equipment such as RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile systems, grenade-launchers and grenades, recoilless rifles with ammunition and small-calibre ammunition will also be included within the package.
Naval equipment within the package will include six more Combatboat (Stridsbåt) 90 (CB90) attack boats and support to maintain existing equipment.
Regarding the Gripens, Sweden’s Ministry of Defence said “transferring JAS Gripen to Ukraine is not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritised introduction of F-16 fighters”.
“In parallel, [however], the Swedish Government is continuing its efforts to establish conditions for a possible future support of JAS 39 Gripen fighters [and] acquiring materiel parts for the JAS 39 Gripen worth approximately SEK2.3 billion,” the Ministry said.
“Materiel parts are JAS 39C/D parts that are being reused in the construction of new JAS 39E aircraft. By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can – if the Swedish government decides so – be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine.”
The support package includes approximately SEK700 million in financial donations to funds and other multilateral initiatives during 2024.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.