Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters, equipped with long-range Meteor missiles, along with AWACS early-warning aircraft, could significantly enhance Ukraine’s air capabilities and pose serious challenges to Russian aviation.

Axar.az reports that Ukrainian aviation expert Bohdan Dolintse, speaking to Freedom TV channel, said the Gripen platform offers capabilities comparable to advanced F-16 variants, while also being more cost-efficient and better suited for operations from short or improvised runways.

“We can compare two platforms — F-16 and Gripen. These are both 4+ generation multirole aircraft. The Gripen variants that may be supplied to Ukraine are essentially analogues of the F-16 in terms of capabilities, and in some aspects even surpass Block 50/52 aircraft used by most European countries,” Bohdan said.

Dolintse noted that Meteor air-to-air missiles, with a range of up to 200 kilometers, would significantly extend Ukraine’s ability to engage aerial targets at long distances. However, he stressed that the full potential of the system depends on radar performance and external targeting support.

“The Gripen, combined with long-range Meteor missiles with a range of up to 200 kilometers and AWACS aircraft that Ukraine is expected to receive, will effectively allow AWACS platforms to monitor airspace at distances of 450–500 kilometers,” he added.

The expert added that this integration could significantly improve situational awareness and allow Ukrainian forces to detect and engage enemy aircraft at greater depth, strengthening overall air defense and operational reach.