Ukraine’s military leadership has indicated an interest in expanding its air combat capability with Western jets, including the Saab Gripen from Sweden and the F-35 from the United States, alongside existing F-16s. Officials cited a desire to diversify the air fleet and to prepare for the long term by broadening the range of platforms available to Ukrainian forces. These statements come from senior defense planners who emphasize that the pursuit of new aircraft is part of a broader modernization effort that includes multiple aircraft types and configurations available from Western partners.
In discussions about the future air force, Ukrainian officials have stressed that the F-16 remains the core asset, while evaluating the Gripen and F-35 as important complements. The emphasis is on building a balanced mix that can cover a wider spectrum of missions and operate across different terrains and operational scenarios. This approach also reflects a desire to align with Western interoperability standards and training pipelines that would enable rapid integration of new aircraft into Ukrainian service if procurement proceeds.
An adviser to the Ukrainian Air Force Command noted that Gripen could be prioritized after the F-16, highlighting the jet as a second option that fits into the incremental upgrade plan. The adviser also mentioned ongoing work with various combat aircraft types, underscoring that F-16s would continue to serve as the backbone while new platforms are studied for potential procurement and fleet diversification.
Officials have pointed out that Western support could bring fighters with modern avionics, advanced sensors, and improved multirole capabilities, with specific characteristics differing by modification. The overarching aim is to secure aircraft that can meet contemporary standards and offer compatible performance with NATO-aligned systems, thereby enhancing collective defense posture and training coherence with allied forces.
Recent updates indicate that Kyiv is engaging with Swedish authorities about the possibility of transferring Gripen fighters to Ukraine, with discussions extending to the appropriate training of pilots and ground personnel for operations on Ukrainian soil. While the exact training pipelines and deployment timelines are still being worked out, the focus remains on ensuring readiness and safety for all personnel involved and on establishing clear, practical steps for integrating the new aircraft into the Ukrainian air fleet if the arrangement progresses.
Previously, debates around F-16 deliveries were highlighted in Ukrainian public discourse, reflecting broader conversations about air power and defense modernization. The current discussions demonstrate a steady trend toward diversified air capabilities as Ukraine continues to rebuild and modernize its armed forces with partnerships from Western allies. This strategic shift prioritizes interoperability, maintenance ecosystems, and joint training programs designed to shorten the learning curve for crews and maintenance teams, while ensuring that new platforms can operate alongside existing F-16s and other aircraft in varied mission sets.