All articles tagged with #gripen
Canada’s plan to replace its CF-18s with an F-35 fleet is showing signs of collapse as Ottawa weighs Saab’s Gripen E/F offer, which includes thousands of local jobs and a domestic production hub, in a potential mixed‑fleet approach. The decision faces scrutiny over technology transfer, timelines, and NORAD implications, with a 2024 auditor review and ongoing U.S. readiness/diplomatic concerns adding to the uncertainty.
Saab proposes a Gripen production hub in Canada large enough to supply the Canadian Air Force and export customers, with initial aircraft built in Sweden and later in Canada to reach about 36 planes per year. Ottawa is reviewing a mixed F-35/Gripen fleet after committing to 88 jets (16 ordered). Saab has touted up to 10,000 Canadian jobs and pledged local sustainment with Canadian partners, and signaled potential orders from Ukraine if the facility is established; the plan aligns with the company’s push for a "Made-in-Canada Fighter".
Ukraine appears poised to gain MBDA's Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, but the transfer hinges on Kyiv obtaining Saab Gripen fighters (or Rafale). Defense officials say Meteors would be a natural part of a Gripen package; however, delivery timelines depend on Gripen availability, with three years for new Gripen Es and possibly quicker options via secondhand Gripen C/D. The Meteor's ramjet propulsion and data-link offer extended range and better end-game performance, potentially offsetting Russia's long-range R-37M, but the weapons could pose intelligence risks if they end up on Russian soil. No final sale has been concluded despite letters of intent; the plan signals a broader rearmament of Ukraine's air force if fighter deliveries proceed.
The NDP is pressing Prime Minister Carney to cancel Canada’s 16-jet order of U.S.-made F-35 fighters and switch to Saab Gripen, arguing the U.S. aircraft would deepen military integration with a superpower. Defence officials say procurement will serve Canadian needs and no final decision has been made as a review continues, all amid Trump-era threats to disrupt Western aircraft supplies and tariffs.
Ukraine and Sweden discussed potentially delivering MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles alongside Saab Gripen jets to Kyiv, a move that would boost Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian aircraft from long range. The Meteor is Europe’s leading AAM, capable of over 75 miles at Mach 4 and compatible with Gripen, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon. A deal to export up to 150 Gripen jets to Ukraine has been floated but is not finalized, and the Meteor transfer could be part of broader future aid including air defense, radars, electronic warfare systems, and drones.
Ukraine has decided to acquire 120-150 Saab Gripen fighters to modernize its air force, citing the aircraft's suitability for dispersed operations, advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and lower costs. The transition will take several years and involve significant training and infrastructure adjustments, but it promises a substantial boost to Ukraine's air power amid ongoing conflict.
Ukraine is close to acquiring up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets through a letter of intent with Sweden, aiming to modernize its air force and better defend against Russian threats. The Gripen E, an advanced fourth-generation aircraft, is considered ideal for Ukraine's needs due to its operational flexibility, survivability, and interoperability with NATO, although funding remains uncertain.
Seven people, including a 6-year-old girl, were killed and 129 were wounded in a Russian missile strike on the city of Chernihiv in Ukraine. Ukrainian defense minister confirmed that training on F-16 fighter jets has begun, with the US pledging to allow the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine once training is complete. Ukraine is also in talks to obtain Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. Drone attacks on Russia have increased, with a Ukrainian drone damaging a plane in Russia's northwest Novgorod region and another drone being shot down near Moscow.