STORY: :: Sweden's Gripen fighter jet is set to be tested in Ukraine's air war against Russia
:: The jets are designed to operate in a country under Russian attack, so can weather harsh conditions
:: Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Ukrainian President
"So we think that we will push out these jets, Russian jets, and they will not be able to massively carry out these aerial bombings."
:: This is the first time these long-praised jets will be used in high-intensity warfare
:: Douglas Barrie, Military aerospace expert
"I think from Moscow's perspective, the last thing you want to see in a way is the Ukrainian Air Force getting more capability. And the Gripen, even in small numbers, certainly provides that. In the air-to-air realm, it will make the Russian Air Force more careful and more cautious about what it does, particularly if a weapon like the Meteor is in the package."
Ukraine has allocated EUR2.5 billion of a EUR90 billion European Union loan to buy 20 new Gripen E fighters and is also set to receive 16 older models donated by Sweden, a potent new asset to protect Ukrainian cities.
The deal, which may rise to 150 new planes, could see the Gripen face Russian opponents within a year, offering a first real combat test for a jet long praised for its capabilities but never proven in high-intensity warfare.
Gripens lack stealth capabilities and range compared to Lockheed Martin's F-35, but also have key advantages. Designed to operate in a country under Russian attack, they emphasize rugged dependability in harsh conditions.
