Ignat named the weapon that could tip the balance in the skies over Ukraine
Swedish Gripen fighter jets are not capable of instantly changing the situation on the front lines, but the Meteor missiles they can carry are capable of pushing Russian aircraft back from the Ukrainian border.
Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ignat made this statement on June 1 during a televised marathon.
He urged caution regarding the term “game-changer,” as any weapon must first be tested in real combat conditions. He cited the F-16 fighters as an example, from which rapid changes were also expected, but Ukraine received somewhat outdated versions of these aircraft.
A similar situation, he said, is unfolding with the Gripen. Ukraine is expected to receive C/D model aircraft, which are an older version.
At the same time, Ignat explained, the Gripens have significant advantages: they are easy to operate, capable of landing on various types of runways, and have the lowest operating costs in their class.
Why Meteor missiles could change the course of battles
One of the main advantages of Swedish aircraft is their full compatibility with nearly the entire range of Western weaponry—both American and European types.
“And most importantly—the Meteor missile, which could be that ‘game-changer’ if everything goes according to plan tactically… This missile can push back Russian aircraft attacking us with KABs away from our borders,” Ignat emphasized.
The Meteor air-to-air missile is considered one of the most effective long-range missiles for air combat. Its stated range exceeds 120 kilometers, and according to some estimates, it can reach about 200 kilometers.
A key feature of the Meteor is its ramjet engine, which allows the missile to maintain high speed throughout virtually its entire flight path. Thanks to this, it retains a significant energy reserve even in the terminal phase and remains a threat to actively maneuvering targets.
The Meteor is designed to destroy a wide range of air targets, including fighters, bombers, aircraft carrying missile weapons, and large unmanned aerial vehicles. It poses a particular threat to Russian Su-35s, Su-30s, and A-50 long-range early warning aircraft, which are used to coordinate air operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will allocate part of the €90 billion in financial aid from the European Union to defense needs, specifically for the purchase of Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. According to the head of state, the funding will help strengthen Ukraine’s defense and modernize its aviation capabilities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Stockholm and other countries in the region are prepared for possible actions by Russia in response to support for Ukraine, particularly in the event of the transfer of Gripen fighter jets.
