Sweden donates Gripen hunters to Ukraine but not until 2027
KYIV ($ 1 = 29.54 ukrainska Hryvnias) – In 2027, the Czech Republic will cease operations of the JAS 39C Gripen fighter and intend to arm its air force with the F-35 fifth generation stealth fighter. [at least such are the Czech intentions]. In this respect Stockholm [Sweden] could agree to Prague [Czech Republic] provides 14 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Kyiv [Ukraine] free [12 units of the single-seat JAS 39C and two units of the two-seat JAS 39D].
At present, one fact is clear: the Czech Republic wants to renew its fleet and intends to make an inquiry to the US government for the acquisition of 24 units of F-35A stealth aircraft. However, Ukrainian media [Defense Express] claims that if the acquisition becomes a fact, Stockholm is ready to allow Prague to donate 14 Gripen hunters to Ukraine. According to Ukrainian media, this may become a fact only in 2027 [and after this year]for then the leasing of the Czech Gripen fighter jets to SAAB [the aircraft manufacturer] Expires.
Of course, the Swedes have offered the Czechs to upgrade the Czech Air Force’s existing JAS 39C Gripen fighter to the “E / F” version. If Prague accepts Stockholm’s proposal, Kyiv is out of the equation.
After the Russian armed forces invaded Ukraine on February 24 and started the war in Europe between Ukraine and Russia, Kyiv is in great need of fighter jets. BulgarianMilitary.com can not say how many Ukrainian planes have been overthrown or not working, because this information is very speculative, based on propaganda from Russia and Ukraine. But in early February [before the war began]Ukraine had 51 MiG-29 fighter jets, 12 Su-24 fighter jets, 31 Su-25 fighter jets and 32 Su-27 fighter jets.
![The Bulgarian government and opposition face fighter jets](https://bulgarianmilitary.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Bulgaria-Govt-Opposition-Clash-over-Fighter-Jets.jpg)
In recent years [before the war] Ukraine also retired some of its own “air wings” including MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, Sukhoi Su-17 and Sukhoi Su-15.
The acquisition of 14 JAS 39C Gripen fighter jets will not seriously strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force, but it will be a foundation laid for the renewal of Ukrainian armaments. [if the war is over by then]. Although the fighters in question are actually Czech [in service with the Czech Air Force] and if the donation is realized, Sweden will actually do so, since SAAB holds the production and trade license and without Stockholm’s consent, the fighter plane cannot be used by anyone other than the Czech Air Force.
Arms dealers interviewed by BulgarianMilitary.com say 2027 is a very distant period. If the Czechs and Swedes agree to this donation now, it is not known exactly what their intentions are in five years, nor is it known exactly what will happen to the fighters during the remaining operational period.
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