Sweden is reportedly viewing Ukraine as a real testing ground for the capabilities of the Gripen fighter jets, according to Russian military expert Alexander Stepanov.
Sweden sees Ukraine as a testing ground for the characteristics and combat capabilities of the Gripen fighter aircraft, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), told the TASS news agency.
"For the Swedes, the actual combat use of the Gripen fighters is critical to understanding their capabilities. They are using Ukraine as a testing ground to determine the real potential of both the aircraft's offensive capabilities and their integrated radar systems for future use in the Arctic," the expert said.
Stepanov added that after joining NATO, Sweden became a key partner of Ukraine in supplying fighter and reconnaissance aircraft:
"After joining NATO, Sweden became almost the key partner of the Kyiv regime in terms of supplying fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. Suffice it to recall the AWACS aircraft – Airborne Early Warning and Control – which provided targeting and border surveillance," he emphasized.
On May 28, it was announced that Ukraine would purchase up to 150 aircraft from Sweden. Kyiv will buy 20 Gripen E/F fighters, which will be delivered by 2030.
Sweden will also transfer 16 JAS Gripen C/D fighters to Ukraine in early 2027. Sweden will also provide training for pilots and maintenance personnel.
Ukraine will pay for the fighters with an EU loan.
