JAS 39 Gripen: Ukraine’s Best Call to Win the War

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, the Ukrainian Air Force has suffered the loss of at least 60 fighter jets. A leaked Pentagon document recently revealed that this figure accounts for roughly 40% of their pre-war fleet, leaving Kyiv with approximately 80 active aircraft. Meanwhile, Russia is claimed to have around 500 aircraft designated for the war, mostly with superior radar and longer-range munitions compared to Ukrainian fighter jets.

Fortunately, despite this advantage, Russia has not been able to assert complete control over the skies above Kyiv. Yet, the overall stability of the air power balance has been compromised. Also, the Soviet-era MiG and SU aircraft currently deployed by Ukraine are somewhat modernized and improved but remain considerably outdated. Many of these jets are inoperative and mainly serve as spare parts. To tip the scale against Russia, Ukraine requires more fighter jets with an entirely new fleet!