In an era dominated by the stealth capabilities of the F-35, Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen emerges as a formidable multirole combat aircraft, equipped to tackle the dynamics of contemporary aerial combat, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Gripen, a product of Cold War-era innovation, designed to confront Soviet aircraft, is currently under consideration to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Despite its lack of stealth features, the Gripen’s compact and robust design allows for operations from remote airfields with minimal ground support, a critical capability given the need for flexible deployment in conflict zones like Ukraine.

As a first true multirole fighter from Sweden, the Gripen can execute interception, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, embodying agility and cost-effectiveness.

Stockholm’s defense stance remains careful, yet the center-right government appears to be inching closer to supporting Ukraine’s air force, with Defense Minister Pål Jonson noting the examination of the impact of providing fighter-jet capability to Ukraine, including the potential export or donation of Gripen planes.

“Gripen has capabilities that are very relevant from a Ukrainian perspective,” said Pär Henriksson, a spokesperson for Saab.

Analysts at the Royal United Services Institute, a UK think tank, further recognized the Gripen’s unique suitability to counter Russian fighter and surface-to-air missile radar.

The question of Sweden providing these aircraft to aid Ukraine is tied to its quest for NATO membership and the associated mutual defense commitments, including the critical Article 5.

As Sweden awaits NATO’s decision, the possibility of Ukraine receiving the Gripen, which could be a game-changer in the skies, is palpable.

Maintaining the edge, the Gripen boasts high availability with low maintenance requirements, facilitated by support-friendly system design and innovation. This aspect is crucial for sustained operations where logistic footprints must remain minimal.

The aircraft’s smart design simplifies modular and flexible capabilities distribution for both long and short-term missions, while also considering cost drivers important for reliability, maintainability, and testability.

Further solidifying its future, the Gripen family continues to evolve, with Saab contracted in December 2022 for a significant upgrade program to advance the radar performance, weaponry, sensors, and connectivity between different Gripen models until 2029. The investment ensures the Gripen’s competitiveness in the international arena for years to come.

The JAS 39 Gripen is no stranger to global service, having been operated by nations including Thailand and Hungary.

The latest Gripen E/F models boast advancements such as larger fuel tanks, improved cockpit design, increased armaments range, and the capability to match Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II.

As the world watches the unfolding conflict in Ukraine, the potential role of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen could redefine the nature of modern aerial warfare, proving that even a non-stealth fighter can leave a significant mark on the skies.