Sweden and Ukraine sign a letter of intent for more than 100 Gripen E fighters, with deliveries likely after the war, according to Swedish officials.

LET’S GO!!!

Kristersson stated that, based on current production capacity, the first Gripen deliveries could take place within three years of a finalized contract. He emphasized, however, that the letter of intent marks only the beginning of discussions and does not yet constitute a binding sale.

This will be likely an “after the war” thing, no matter, this is such a large amount of aircraft the strategic implications are major and precede the arrival of the physical aircraft.

Hopefully this makes Trump feel left out so he greenlights the AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopter sale.

Edit 1 United24 indicates actually Ukrainian pilots are already being trained on the Gripens and would start flying next year, can’t find any more on that yet to confirm though.

Edit 2 Yeah ok this timeline is likely faster than it appears, Ukrainian pilots started testing these Gripens in 2023.

https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/jonsson-ukrainska-piloter-har-testat-gripen

  • Buffalox@lemmy.world
    103·
    6 days ago

    In September 2025, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized that any sale of new-build Gripen E/F fighters could only occur after the end of the war with Russia, citing the political and operational risks of supplying advanced combat aircraft into an active conflict zone.

    Booo Sweden!
    BAD CALL, BAD CALL!

    • stoy@lemmy.zip
      12·
      6 days ago

      As I posted below, this is specifically about the completely new E/F variant, our own air force just took delivery of the first jet in the E/F series this monday.

      I suspect that as deliveries to our air force continue we will start sending some C/D jets to Ukraine.

      This is in fact a very resonable way forward.

      • Buffalox@lemmy.world
        12·
        6 days ago

        political and operational risks of supplying advanced combat aircraft into an active conflict zone.

        That does not at all align with what you claim.

        • stoy@lemmy.zip
          51·
          6 days ago

          It absolutely does.

          A new plattform like the E/F will have a lot issues to work out, they are normally worked out in exercises and testing, that can’t really be done effectively in Ukraine.

          Meanwhile, the C/D is an older plattform that is still VERY capable and has most issues worked out, it is far better to use that than the E/F, there is a lot of living experience with the C/D, there isn’t much living experience with the E/F yet.

          You need to stop making perfect the enemy of good.