NATO’s air force capability coalition has advised Sweden to postpone sending Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighter jets to Ukraine until after the deployment of F-16s in the country is implemented, a defense ministry official told Breaking Defense on Wednesday.
The alliance requested the delay to avoid overloading Ukrainian pilots with different aircraft types, which could complicate their training and operational effectiveness.
As part of the 16-nation air force capability coalition, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway are contributing up to 80 F-16s to Ukraine. Countries such as Denmark, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States are also providing training for Ukrainian pilots on these aircraft. The U.S. Department of State also approved a potential foreign military sale in December, valuing $266.4 million, of F-16 sustainment services and related equipment to Ukraine.
Saab Optimistic on Swedish Donation
Despite the development, Saab CEO Micael Johansson remains optimistic about the transfer of the 14 Gripen aircraft. Sweden had instructed its military in 2023 to study the conditions for a planned shipment of JAS 39 Gripen combat planes to Ukraine.
Johansson emphasized that the best way to expedite the deployment would be a long-term agreement, including training for Ukrainian pilots in Sweden. Meanwhile, Sweden has already donated $214 million worth of Gripen spare parts intended for Ukraine’s future fleet.