00:00Sweden has just announced its 17th military aid package for Ukraine, valued at around
00:064.6 billion Swedish kronor, or about 445 million dollars.
00:12Unlike previous aid, this package is focused on providing Ukraine with new military equipment.
00:18The Swedish Ministry of Defense's new package includes RB-70 man-portable air defense systems,
00:24anti-tank weapons, 40mm ammunition for CV-90 combat vehicles, grenade launchers, anti-tank
00:31mines, camouflage kits for combat vehicles, winter clothing, 6 Stridsbad 90 fast patrol
00:37boats, and other marine equipment.
00:40It also supports Ukrainian and international programs like the International Fund for Ukraine
00:45and Czech Ammunition Procurement Initiatives.
00:48Sweden is currently upgrading its Gripen JAS-39C-D models to the newer JAS-39E variant.
00:56This has led to the decommissioning of some older aircraft as Sweden transitions to a
01:01fleet of around 100 Gripen JAS-39C-D models, which were originally planned to be phased
01:08out in favor of the JAS-39E.
01:11However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Sweden decided to expand
01:17its air force.
01:19While there are no immediate plans to transfer Gripen aircraft to Kiev, half of the new aid
01:24package will be used to purchase components for the JAS-39C-D Gripens.
01:30This means that a number of these older aircraft could be spared from dismantling and potentially
01:35made available for Ukraine in the future.
01:38Sweden aims to maintain a fleet of 120 Gripen aircraft by 2030, split between 60 JAS-39C-D
01:47and 60 JAS-39E models.
01:50Considering factors like airframe fatigue and training needs, Stockholm could have 20
01:55to 30 Gripen JAS-39C-Ds available for other uses, including a possible transfer to Ukraine.
02:04The Swedish Ministry of Defense has stated that by acquiring new parts, some JAS-39C-D
02:10jets can be preserved and potentially transferred to Ukraine, pending a government decision.
02:16Defense Minister Pal Johnson has left the door open, indicating that Sweden is maintaining
02:21its flexibility to consider a Gripen transfer in the future.
02:25Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a thank you message on X-slash Twitter, did
02:31not mention the Gripen but appreciated the support, including anti-aircraft systems,
02:36anti-tank weapons, and financial contributions.
02:40Earlier discussions about transferring Gripens were halted due to concerns over complicating
02:45Ukraine's acquisition of F-16 fighters and the logistical challenges it would impose.
02:50However, the possibility of a Gripen transfer is still discussed by analysts and military
02:56strategists.
02:57In July, Ukrainian Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Air Zavkva mentioned that the Ukrainian
03:03President continually raises the topic of Gripen jets with Swedish leaders.
03:08Zavkva expressed confidence that Gripens are as capable as F-16s and Ukraine is moving
03:13in that direction.
03:15This sentiment is supported by Ukraine's Air Force Chief, Brigadier General Serhii
03:20Holopsov, who believes Ukrainian infrastructure is ready for Gripens.
03:25Many experts argue that Gripen might be a better fit for Ukraine's dynamic combat
03:29environment due to its advanced avionics, smaller size, and interoperability with NATO
03:35weapons systems.
03:36Gripen's ability to operate from shorter runways and be maintained by small teams in
03:41harsh conditions could be advantageous for Ukraine, particularly during its severe winters.
03:47Although Norway has successfully operated F-16s in similar conditions, Gripen's design
03:53could offer additional benefits.
03:55In 2023, Sweden began planning to train Ukrainian pilots and maintenance crews for the JAS-39
04:02Gripen, though these plans were not implemented.
04:05They could be revived if a decision to transfer the aircraft is made.
04:10The main obstacle to a Gripen transfer is the need for U.S. approval due to the aircraft's
04:15U.S. components, which are subject to International Traffic and Arms Regulations, ITAR.
04:22Without this approval, the transfer could face similar restrictions as those affecting
04:26storm shadow missiles used by the UK and France.
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