Ukraine and Sweden explore Soviet aircraft upgrades and Saab jet transfers

Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence for Aviation Development Oleksandr Kozenko met with a Swedish delegation led by Thomas Lindén, Director for Ukraine Affairs at Saab, on May 23, 2025. The discussions centered on modernizing Ukraine’s aging fleet of Soviet-era aircraft and exploring the potential transfer of advanced Swedish aviation platforms.

Modernizing Ukraine’s air fleet

A primary focus of the talks was the integration of advanced Swedish avionics into Ukraine’s existing aircraft. This includes the incorporation of modern radar systems, defensive technologies, and electronic warfare countermeasures. Such upgrades aim to enhance Ukraine’s air force’s operational effectiveness and survivability in ongoing combat scenarios.

“Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in this area will be mutually beneficial, as Ukraine will enhance the capabilities of its aircraft, while Sweden will gain insights from the combat experience gained through their deployment,” commented Kozenko.

Ukraine has already demonstrated ingenuity in integrating Western weaponry with its Soviet-era platforms. For instance, Ukrainian pilots have adapted their MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters to deploy US-made AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles, using commercial tablets like iPads to interface with the Western munitions. Additionally, Su-24 bombers have been modified to carry Franco-British SCALP-EG/Storm Shadow cruise missiles and French AASM Hammer bombs, enhancing Ukraine’s strike capabilities

While the talks covered the potential transfer of Swedish aircraft, there has been no official resumption of the paused plan to supply JAS 39 Gripen C/D jets to Ukraine.

The Gripen question: still on hold

Stockholm had initially begun exploring the possibility of sending around ten Gripen fighters in the summer of 2023.

However, in June 2024, the plan was put on hold amid concerns that introducing a second Western air combat system could complicate Ukraine’s integration of F-16 fighter jets from other NATO partners.

“Our partners emphasize that the simultaneous introduction of two air combat systems is very complex and that it is now necessary to focus on the entry into service of the F-16 within the Ukrainian Air Force,” Pål Jonson, the Swedish Minister of Defense, explained at the time.

Nonetheless, Sweden has kept the door open, and the recent successful integration of Mirage 2000-5 fighters into the Ukrainian Air Force may revive discussions around the Swedish Gripen.

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Sweden’s 17th military aid package, unveiled in September 2024 and worth SEK 4.6 billion ($400 million), included essential military supplies, financial contributions, and, interestingly, spare parts for fighter aircraft, potentially signaling a willingness to revisit the Gripen option if the operational situation evolves.

In May 2024, Stockholm pledged to deliver two Saab ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The ASC 890, equipped with a long-range AESA radar, significantly enhances Ukraine’s ability to monitor and respond to aerial threats, including cruise missile and drone incursions.The post Ukraine and Sweden explore Soviet aircraft upgrades and Saab jet transfers appeared first on AeroTime.

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