JAS 39 Gripen. Photo: from open sources.
Sweden has made an important delivery of components for JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, which can be used to equip 14 combat vehicles. However, the aircraft themselves have not yet arrived in Ukraine, which raises a number of questions about future deliveries and the exact amount of assistance. This became known from a statement by Swedish Defence Minister Paul Johnson at a press conference on 22 November 2024, as reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing Unian.
Spare parts supply and aircraft issues
Although the components were delivered back in September, the question of when exactly the fighter jets will be delivered remains open. It is still unclear whether the delivery is for 14 fighter jets or just spare parts that could theoretically equip that many aircraft.
According to the Defence Express, in addition to Sweden, the JAS 39 Gripen is also operated by Hungary and the Czech Republic, both of which have 14 of these aircraft. This suggests that the figure of 14 is standard for export deliveries, particularly for countries participating in cooperation programmes with Sweden.
Negotiations on the supply of Gripen fighters
Ukraine and Sweden have been negotiating the supply of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets for several months now. Back in July 2024, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva confirmed that the negotiations were ongoing. In early autumn, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that the process of transferring the fighter jets was nearing completion.
However, in addition to the fighter jets, Ukraine is still awaiting the delivery of two Saab 340 long-range reconnaissance aircraft. This project was announced back in May, but delivery has been delayed due to the need to prepare specialised infrastructure and train technicians to maintain the new equipment, according to aviation expert Anatoliy Khrapchynsky.
In general, the transfer of spare parts for Gripen fighter jets may be an important step in preparing for the future delivery of the aircraft themselves, but the timing and quantity of the delivered aircraft remains an open question. The ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Sweden promise significant prospects for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities, but for a more accurate assessment of the situation, we need to wait for official announcements on the date and volume of future deliveries.
Time Ukraine Israel is following the developments and will provide updates on this important topic.
