Ukraine conflict: Sweden to send Gripen spares as precursor to combat jets

Seen conducting roadway operations in Sweden, the Gripen C could see service in Ukraine after the Swedish government announced that spare parts are being donated to the country ahead of a potential transfer of combat jets. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Sweden has included spare parts for the Saab JAS 39 Gripen in a wider package of military aid for Ukraine as a precursor to a potential transfer of combat aircraft to the country.

Half of the value of the SEK4.6 billion (USD440 million) aid package announced on 9 September – the 17th that Sweden has authorised since the launch of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – comprises parts for the Gripen C/D ahead of a potential transfer.

“At the moment, transferring Gripen [aircraft] to Ukraine is not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritised introduction of [Lockheed Martin] F-16 [Fighting Falcon] fighters,” the Swedish government said in its announcement.

“However, in parallel the Swedish government is continuing its efforts to establish conditions for a possible future support of Gripen fighters to Ukraine. Support package 17 does so by acquiring materiel parts for the Gripen worth approximately SEK2.3 billion,” it added.

As noted in the announcement, the particular Gripen C/D parts being donated are those that were due to be reused in newbuild Gripen E aircraft. “By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of [Gripen] C/Ds will be saved from being dismantled and can – if the Swedish government decides so – be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine,” the government said.