The Gripen has an advantage over the F-16 for Ukraine due to its mobility, according to an expert
Swedish Gripen fighter jets could prove to be a more effective platform for Ukraine than American F-16s, thanks to their maneuverability, lower maintenance costs, and compatibility with European weapons.
This was stated by Anatoliy Khrapchynskyi, a reserve Air Force officer and director of development at a defense company.
In an interview with UNIAN, he noted that the Gripen is capable of using Meteor and MICA missiles. In particular, the Meteor has a range of over 200 km and allows for pushing Russian aircraft away from Ukrainian borders and intercepting planes that drop KABs.
According to the expert, one of the Gripen’s key advantages is its ability to operate without full-scale airfields.
“The Gripen is an aircraft that does not require airfield infrastructure. It can operate from ordinary roads,” explained Khrapchynskyi.
He added that a runway about 800 meters long is sufficient for the Gripen to take off, and 600 meters for landing. Preparing the aircraft for a new combat sortie takes about 20 minutes, and engine replacement takes approximately one hour.
The expert also highlighted the political advantage of Swedish aircraft. According to him, the F-16 remains dependent on U.S. decisions regarding modernization and the transfer of new radars or missiles, whereas the Gripen is a European platform with simpler logistics.
Khrapchynsky emphasized that the Gripen is cheaper and easier to maintain compared to the F-16, and is also better suited to the conditions of the war in Ukraine.
Latvia has decided to transfer additional CVR(T)-type armored combat vehicles to Ukraine.
The Swedish government plans to transfer several Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. These are Gripen C and Gripen D variants.
