Ukraine expects the first batch of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters within the next 10 months, along with Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles. As reported by the Ministry of Defense, this will be a significant reinforcement for the Air Force and will give Ukraine more opportunities to counter Russian aviation and guided aerial bombs (KABs), UNN reports.
The "long arm" of Ukrainian aviation
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy initiated the signing of an agreement with the Swedish government, under which Ukraine will purchase up to 20 fourth-generation JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighters of the E modification. Ukraine will receive another 16 aircraft of the C/D versions as military aid.
Gripen aircraft with Meteor missiles can help push Russian aviation further back
Importantly, the first batch of Gripens will arrive along with Meteor missiles.
In the long term, this combination will allow for an increase in the engagement range of aerial targets and create additional pressure on Russian aviation, particularly on the aircraft that launch KABs at Ukrainian positions and cities.
KABs remain one of the greatest challenges for the Defense Forces. The enemy's tactical aviation – primarily Su-34s and Su-35s – drops these bombs while remaining outside the reach of Ukrainian anti-aircraft systems.
Gripen aircraft with Meteor missiles can help push Russian aviation further back and reduce the enemy's capabilities for the massive use of aerial bombs.
Ukraine to receive first batch of Gripen fighters with Meteor missiles – Palisa28.05.26, 15:42
Why Meteor missiles are important
Meteor is a long-range air-to-air missile produced by the European MBDA consortium.
It has an engagement range of over 100 km, and its maximum range can reach up to 200 km. The missile is capable of reaching speeds of about 4,600 kilometers per hour.
Meteor has an engagement range of over 100 km, and its maximum range can reach up to 200 km
Meteor is equipped with an active radar homing head and a ramjet engine. This allows it to maintain high speed throughout its flight trajectory and effectively engage aerial targets at long range.
These characteristics make the Meteor one of the most powerful tools in the class of long-range air-to-air missiles. Gripens armed with such missiles will be able to create a constant threat to KAB carriers, particularly Su-34s, driving them away from the front line.
Gripen meets the conditions of modern warfare
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense spoke about the advantages of the aircraft, which was designed for conditions where aviation must operate quickly and from various operational airfields.
This is especially important for Ukraine, which is waging war under the constant threat of strikes on infrastructure. The Gripen expands the Air Force's toolkit and helps form a more resilient and multi-layered air defense system.
Combat pilot Karaya shared his impressions of the Gripen fighter jets28.05.26, 20:33