Hello Swedish friends.
I’ve been told before that Sweden cannot supply the Gripen fighters to Ukraine due to the country being at war.
While I understand the purposes and reasonings behind such a law, I was wondering if there is much of any talk within Sweden of changing this. Is it something the average Swedish citizen would have an opinion on? Is it debated?
I recently read that Ukrainians will be undergoing fighter training in Sweden. Does that mean the policy is potentially changing, and they will be receiving these much better-suited jets than the ones we Americans can sell them?
Thank you.
Well quantity is one aspect, among others.
Open data indicate that Sweden alone have around 100 operational JAS Gripen. One of our eastern neighbours certainly keeps those birds busy with uninvited visits on say a biweekly basis. Still it would surprise me if Sweden could not lend a handful or so of those birds to Ukraine if Sweden commits to that.
Despite the war in Ukraine and the insane actions of Russia not only now but historically, and despite what the “war hawks” in the Swedish political landscape argue, and what officials of the Swedish armed forces imply at times, I see no credible imminent threat of an invasion of Sweden at this time. There are many other forms of threats, but an full on invasion from Russia, where we need to respond in force is very unlikely.
I can’t see Saab AB, the manufacturer, increase production without new buyers committing fully to purchases first. You just don’t build 50 M EUR airplanes on the off chance that a customer might show up later. :) When the buyers materialize, I’m sure Saab will be very eager to ramp up production too.
PS. Obvious caveat here: I’m just a dog on the internet. :) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Internet_dog.jpg
Yes, I cannot imagine a scenario where Russian troops arrive at the Swedish mainland. They’d have to go through Finland first, and unfortunately for them, they’re very bad at that.
I suppose there aren’t really that many potential buyers. Most countries with an interest in modern jets don’t have the huge tracts of lightly-developed land where it shines. I don’t think Canada faces invasion any time soon. Some small South American markets, perhaps.