Gripen for Ukraine: Ukrainian Air Force Pilots Already Training on Swedish Fighters

Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already training on the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, which are soon to enter service with the Ukrainian Air Force.

This was announced by Swedish Defence Minister Paul Jonson.

He also added that training for the Ukrainians will be expanded this fall.

The Swedish minister called the introduction of Gripen fighters into the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ inventory “a new chapter in the history of Ukraine’s air defense.”

“The JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft can be equipped with weapons such as IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and long-range Meteor missiles. We’re talking about fighter jets, weapons, skills, and technical support,” Jonsson noted.

According to him, deliveries of JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine are scheduled to begin early next year—after the necessary decisions and approvals are granted.

The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities as quickly as possible and to build a modern air force for the coming decades.

Getting to know the Gripen

Back in 2023, it was reported that Ukrainian Air Force pilots had traveled to familiarize themselves with the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters.

The Swedish Defence Minister said at the time that Ukrainian pilots would also undergo training on simulators.

“This will give Ukraine a basis for making future decisions regarding the equipping of its military,” the Swedish official said at the time.

He also reported that several experienced pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force had arrived to familiarize themselves with the fighter jets.

Gripen order

It was reported yesterday that Ukraine will allocate €2.5 billion from an EU loan to purchase the first 20 Swedish fighter jets in the latest Gripen E/F version.

According to Volodymyr Zelensky, they will be equipped with long-range Meteor missiles. They are intended to help Ukraine combat Russian aircraft dropping guided aerial bombs (GABs).

At the same time, Sweden also intends to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine as defense aid under these agreements.

In total, Ukraine aims to purchase 100 to 150 of the latest JAS 39 Gripen E/F aircraft. As part of this defense cooperation, Ukraine plans to localize production of the Swedish fighter jets starting in 2033.