Linköping's JAS-39 Gripen fighter jet reflects the light in the eyes of the president of Ukraine, who has just finished a unique flight experience-not in a special plane, but in the cockpit of this Swedish advanced fighter jet.
On October 22, Ukrainian President Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Christensen stood side by side in front of a "Eagle Lion" fighter aircraft.The two countries signed a letter of intent to buy 100 to 150 Gripen fighter jetsThis unprecedented aircraft deal will reshape Ukraine’s air defense forces.
Zelensky, with an anticipated smile on his face, emphasized:This is the largest military aircraft deal in history.We plan to start using Eagle Lion fighters next year.
01 is born.
Sweden, the second stop of Zelensky's European trip, brought back real security guarantees.
In Linköping, the headquarters of Saab Defense Company of Sweden, Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson signed a letter of intent on cooperation in developing air capabilities.
This document was knocked open and obtained by Ukraine 100 to 150"Gripen"Type E fighter aircraftThe door, this number is devastating.
"We are planning to acquire 150 such aircraft for Ukraine," Zelensky said vigorously on social media.
If this transaction is fully implemented,It is Ukraine’s largest aircraft purchase since independence.This is far more than any previous aid provided by Western allies.
The mystery of the aircraft.
The Gripen fighter, a light 4.5-generation multi-role fighter carefully built by the Nordic countries, has been known for its excellent performance and flexible deployment capabilities since its service in 1996.
What is even more surprising is that it can only700 meters short runway and even landing on the highwayThis survival advantage is well suited to the battlefield environment.
The Gryphon E model supplied by Sweden to Ukraine is the latest version, equipped with more powerful engines, advanced electronics and radar systems.
But it is worth noting that the Swedish Air Force itself just began to receive this new fighter in October this year.
Some analysts believe that Ukraine may first get the Swedish Air Force transferred to reserve JAS-39C/D "Lion C" fighter aircraft, which is exactly the immediate combat force the Ukrainian army urgently needs.
03 Air Force Exchange Blood
The skies of Ukraine are undergoing a revolutionary shift.Soviet-era fighter jets such as Su-24, Su-25, Su-27 and MiG-29 are gradually withdrawing from the battlefield due to war losses, consumption and shortages of parts.
They were replaced by Western warplanes. At present, the Ukrainian Air Force has been equipped with Western fighter jets such as F-16 and Mirage 2000-5.
It is reported that,Eighty percent of the Ukrainian Air Force launch missions have been carried out by F-16sWestern aircraft are rapidly becoming the core of the Ukrainian air force.
If 150 Gripen fighter jets are finally delivered, the Ukraine Air Force will complete the complete transformation from the Soviet system to the West and build a modern air force of considerable scale and high quality.
4 The Real Challenges
However, there is still a big gap between the vision contained in this letter of intent and the reality.
Prime Minister Christersson is more cautious in his expectations, admitting that completing the contract may be " A long journey of 10 to 15 years”。
Christensen also noted that the first phase-by-phase delivery "in practice" may be needed.Three years later to start, which is in stark contrast to Zelensky's expectation of "next year".
Funding issues are also a key link. Christensen said the procurement funds could come from Russian assets frozen by Western countries and allies in the coalition of willing.
There is still a lot of work to be done before the final agreement is signed.
5 Strategic importance
The strategic significance of this potential deal goes far beyond the number of fighter jets itself.
For Ukraine, this is not only an upgrade of weapons, but moreImportant guarantees for national security in the coming decades。
Ukraine pilots have been trained in Sweden to prepare for the new fighter jets.
For Sweden, the move demonstrates both its firm support for Ukraine and its regional security commitment as a new member of NATO, which Sweden officially joined NATO in March 2024.
As Zelensky said, "We know who our opponents are, and the Gripen is one of the best fighter jets in the world."
At a time when the Russian-Ukrainian conflict is entering a critical phase, the deal sends a clear signal to Moscow that Western support for Ukraine continues to rise.
Prime Minister Christensen, standing on the parliamentary table, cautiously reminded: "This is a long journey of 10 to 15 years." "But for Zelensky, next year we will see the Eagle Lion flight in Ukrainian airspace."
As Ukrainian pilots have been trained in Sweden, while the EU is considering paying for the sky-priced transaction with frozen Russian assets, the geopolitical chaos of Northeast Europe is rearranged.
The blue sky in Ukraine may have a new guardian, but its arrival may be longer than expected.