Sweden plans to buy 12 additional Saab JAS 39 Gripen E combat aircraft to replace 16 older jets it will begin transferring to Ukraine next year.
The additional purchase will increase Stockholm’s Gripen E fleet to 72 aircraft, expanding on the original order of 60 jets placed in 2013, according to Breaking Defense.
Swedish Air Force Chief Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, who confirmed the strategy, specified that the acquisition will be added to the country’s future “procurement cycle” as Stockholm continues military support for Kyiv amid the Russian invasion.
The order marks the first expansion of Sweden’s Gripen E procurement since the original contract.
Stockholm’s 16-jet package bound for Ukraine consists of Gripen C/D variants and will be drawn from its existing stockpile, while new planes will replenish the fleet over time.
The Gripen E incorporates a more powerful engine, greater range and payload, an active electronically scanned array radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and improved networking capabilities.
“We are naturally looking forward to be a provider of continued support to Ukraine,” Wikman said.
He added that the Gripen program is “a big step forward, not only for Ukraine, but also for the defense of Sweden, defense of Europe.”
Ramping Up Production
Gripen developer Saab is also working to increase production as demand grows from domestic and international customers.
The company’s CEO Micael Johansson said the business aims to raise annual Gripen production to between 25 and 30 aircraft, roughly doubling its current capacity.
Sources estimate that present output is at 12 fighter jets per year, with further increases planned over the next several years.
