Ukraine Looks to Strengthen Air Force with Gripen Fighter Jet Deal Funded by Frozen Russian Assets

Ukraine is set to procure up to 150 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, with financing potentially sourced from frozen Russian assets in Western countries. This deal, agreed upon on Wednesday, emphasizes Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Currently, Ukraine's air force operates a mix of US-made F16s and French-made Mirage 2000s, but the Gripen jets are considered more suitable for the country's battlefield conditions. Designed for flexibility, these aircraft can take off and land on civilian roads, allowing for operations from various locations across the nation. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has voiced strong support for the procurement initiative, stating, "We fully realize it's a long road ahead of us. But from today we are committed to exploring all the possibilities in providing Ukraine with a large amount of Gripen fighters in the future." This commitment signifies a shift toward direct military support to strengthen Ukraine’s defense. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, asserting that acquiring Gripens is a military priority. He remarked that the introduction of these modern jets will significantly augment the capabilities of Ukraine's military. Air warfare expert Justin Bronk from London's Royal United Services Institute affirmed that the Gripen E model would be a substantial upgrade over Ukraine’s existing air fleet, leading to improved operational efficiency due to its advanced radar systems and the ability to deploy long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles. As Sweden increases its production capacity to meet demand—planning to produce 20 to 30 Gripen aircraft annually at its Linkoping plant and collaborating with Brazil—Ukraine could see a substantial enhancement in air power. In relation to military funding, amidst intensified sanctions against Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, which the US is imposing, the European Union has also agreed on further measures to restrict Moscow's oil and gas revenues. These measures, part of the EU's 19th sanction package since the Russian invasion in 2022, include a ban on importing liquefied natural gas from Russia, moving the timeline forward to 2027, and blacklisting over 100 additional tankers from Russia's shadow fleet. The formal adoption of this comprehensive sanctions package is set for Thursday, prior to a summit in Brussels where President Zelenskyy is expected to engage with EU leaders. Reports suggest that these leaders will express unwavering support for Ukraine's independence and endorse a significant financial package to aid Kyiv, potentially amounting to €140 billion, sourced from frozen Russian assets. Interestingly, Zelenskyy has shown openness to a proposal put forth by former US President Donald Trump involving a ceasefire arrangement between Ukraine and Russia based on freezing the current frontlines. While he acknowledges the notion as a plausible compromise, he also recognizes Moscow's outright rejection of the plan. Meanwhile, the situation in Ukraine remains dire, with recent drone attacks in Kyiv resulting in injuries and damage to residential areas, including a kindergarten. The continuing threat of missile attacks has prompted city officials to warn the public about potential dangers as Russian strikes continue to inflict harm on civilians. As conflicts escalate, Ukraine's pursuit of modern military assets, such as the Gripen fighter jets, reflects a broader strategy to protect its sovereignty and enhance its defensive capabilities in the face of sustained aggression. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2