Ukraine will receive its first Gripen jets along with Meteor long-range missiles — Ministry of Defense
The first Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next ten months. Along with the aircraft, the Ukrainian military will receive Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The ministry noted that the arrival of the Gripen with Meteor missiles will significantly complicate the operations of Russian tactical aviation and push it further away from the front lines.
The Meteor is one of the most advanced air-to-air missiles, manufactured by the European company MBDA. Its engagement range exceeds 100 kilometers, and its maximum range can reach approximately 200 kilometers.
The missile is equipped with an active radar homing seeker and a ramjet engine, which allows it to maintain high speed throughout the flight and effectively engage air targets at significant distances.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the combination of Gripen fighters and Meteor missiles will pose a serious threat to Russian aircraft, particularly Su-34 bombers, which are used to launch guided bombs over Ukrainian territory.
It is expected that these new capabilities will allow the Ukrainian Air Force to more effectively counter enemy air strikes and strengthen control of the airspace near the front lines.
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.
