09:01 30-05-2026

Lipovoy Says Sweden Sends Gripen Jets to Ukraine to Avoid Disposal Costs

WikiEdvard, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sergei Lipovoy says Sweden is transferring Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine to save on disposal costs, while possible Jas 39E purchases may be funded through an EU loan.

Sweden intends to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine in order to save money on disposing of decommissioned military equipment. This opinion was expressed in an interview with TASS by Sergei Lipovoy, chairman of the presidium of the Officers of Russia organization, Hero of Russia and major general.

In his assessment, the aircraft in question were developed back in the last century and have a heavily worn-out service life. Lipovoy believes that many NATO countries are using the Ukrainian conflict as a way to make money by selling or transferring outdated weapons.

The expert said that, in terms of their characteristics, the Gripen jets are not capable of competing with modern combat aircraft. Therefore, their appearance in the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not change the situation on the line of contact.

Earlier, on May 28, Sweden officially announced the transfer of 16 Jas 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. At the same time, negotiations are expected to begin on the possible sale of more modern Jas 39E models to Kiev. It is reported that Ukraine may pay for them using an EU loan under a €90 billion support program.