On May 29, Sweden detailed the 16th installment of military aid it was preparing to unlock for Ukraine. Valued at 1.16 billion euros [the largest amount since February 2022], it notably included the donation of the last two Saab 340 AW&C airborne command and control and early warning aircraft that were still in service with its air force (Svenska flygvapnet).
“Ukraine’s ability to identify and engage long-range targets will be enhanced. The aid package also includes training, the provision of technical equipment, and support for air surveillance as well as command and control (C2),” the Swedish government explained.
Given that Stockholm had previously announced its decision to halt its project of providing JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force in favor of the deployment of the F-16 fighter-bombers it had promised, the donation of these two Saab 340 AW&C might seem like a consolation prize.
“The other countries in the (F-16 for Ukraine) coalition urged us to wait with the Gripen,” said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson. “Our partners emphasized that the simultaneous introduction of two air combat systems is very complex, and the focus should now be on the deployment of the F-16 in the Ukrainian Air Force,” he explained.
This led to the decision to transfer the two Saab 340 AW&C aircraft, which, “combined with the F-16,” would act as a “force multiplier” for the Ukrainian Air Force, particularly since Mr. Jonson also planned to provide AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) missiles with a range of 70 km.
However, on June 6, French President Macron announced that the French Air & Space Force (AAE) would hand over some of its Mirage 2000-5s to their Ukrainian counterparts, despite Sweden’s request to suspend its plan to deliver Gripens to Kyiv. This matter has since fallen off the radar due to the dissolution of the National Assembly, the Olympic Games, and the ongoing saga over the selection of a new Prime Minister.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian Air Force may soon have access to JAS-39 Gripens. At least, that’s what the 17th installment of aid Sweden intends to unlock suggests.
Valued at 444.76 million USD (4.6 billion Swedish kronor), this package includes the delivery of six CB-90 fast attack boats, AT4 rocket launchers, and various types of ammunition. However, half of this sum—201 million euros—is allocated for the purchase of spare parts for Gripen aircraft.
“For now, it is not feasible to transfer the JAS-39 Gripen to Ukraine as it would interfere with the deployment of the F-16. However, the government continues to work on establishing the conditions necessary to eventually support Ukraine with this type of aircraft later,” the Swedish Defense Ministry explained.
The Gripen C/D, however, is considered an ideal fighter jet for the Ukrainian Air Force. Saab designed this aircraft to operate with a reduced logistical footprint, equipping it with a PS-05/A radar and an electronic suite specifically developed to counter Russian aircraft and air defenses. Furthermore, it can carry long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles and anti-ship weapons.
