Russian Expert: Ukraine May Use Swedish Gripen Jets for Strikes on Russia
Quick Look
A Russian military expert warned that Ukraine may use Swedish-supplied Gripen fighter jets to strike Russian territory, citing potential use of long-range missiles against the European part of Russia.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Sweden has announced its intention to supply Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets, including both new models and older ones. This move is seen by Russia as an escalation in the ongoing conflict.
MOSCOW, June 2. /TASS/. Ukraine may in the future use Gripen fighter jets received from Sweden to carry out strikes against Russian territory, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) told TASS.
"This week, Sweden led the escalation, intending to supply the Kiev regime with about 150 Gripen E/F fighter jets by 2030. Meanwhile, as early as 2027, Ukraine will receive 16 Jas Gripen C/D fighter jets, which carry long-range Taurus cruise missiles, enabling strikes against the European part of Russia, including infrastructure," Stepanov said.
On May 28, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced at a joint press conference with Vladimir Zelensky that Sweden would hand over 16 Jas 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and sell 20 new Jas 39 E/F aircraft. Zelensky, in turn, expressed a desire to purchase 150 fighter jets. Sweden will provide pilot and maintenance training for the fighter jets, and Ukraine will pay for the fighter jets with an EU loan.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will receive 16 Jas Gripen C/D fighter jets by 2027.
Very likely · Within months
Ukraine may use Gripen jets to strike Russian territory.
Possible · Within months
Sweden will supply Ukraine with about 150 Gripen E/F fighter jets by 2030.
Very likely · Within years
Open Questions
- What specific types of long-range missiles will be integrated with the Gripen jets?
- What is the timeline for pilot and maintenance training?
- What are the exact terms of the EU loan for Ukraine to purchase the jets?
- What is Russia's specific response plan to this potential threat?
