Summary of "Про таке ніхто не мріяв! Більше сотні нових Gripen на озброєнні Повітряних Сил України | Олег Катков"
Discussion with Oleg Katkov on Ukraine’s Defense Capabilities and Military Support
The video features an in-depth conversation with Oleg Katkov, editor-in-chief of Defense Express, focusing on recent developments in Ukraine’s defense capabilities and the geopolitical military support it is receiving.
US Long-Range Weapons and Tomahawks
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine has not yet used US-made long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia, countering reports that the US had officially authorized such strikes.
- While the US and some European countries possess long-range missile capabilities, Ukraine’s access to these weapons remains limited.
- The transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine is highly unlikely without direct US approval due to:
- Strict export controls
- Technical complexities
- Even if Ukraine obtained these missiles, training to effectively use them would take months.
- The US currently faces production limitations, prioritizing weapons for the Pacific theater against China.
- Realistically, Ukraine’s receipt of Tomahawks is uncertain and should not be overly anticipated.
Sweden-Ukraine Gripen Fighter Aircraft Agreement
- Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent allowing Ukraine to purchase up to 150 modern Saab Gripen fighters in the future.
- This deal is a long-term strategic partnership, aiming to build Ukraine’s air force capabilities over the next decade or more rather than immediate delivery.
- The Gripen is a modern, versatile fighter with potential for local production in Ukraine, which is crucial given Sweden’s limited manufacturing capacity.
- The contract could be worth tens of billions of dollars, making it one of the largest defense deals for Ukraine.
- Compared to alternatives like F-16s or Rafales, Gripens offer competitive advantages such as:
- Flexibility in armament integration (American and European missiles)
- Easier modernization
- Operational adaptability
- The Gripen program is experiencing a revival with new export contracts and technological updates, including the integration of combat artificial intelligence.
Challenges in Fighter Aircraft Procurement
- Ukraine’s current fleet includes older F-16s from the 1980s-90s, which are becoming obsolete.
- Other aircraft like Rafale have long delivery queues (8-15 years), making Gripen a more viable medium-term solution.
- The Gripen’s ability to operate from specially prepared roads and its “omnivorous” armament compatibility make it a practical choice for Ukraine’s needs.
Swedish Defense Industry Support Beyond Aircraft
- Sweden and Ukraine also agreed on joint production of air defense systems.
- Saab (SAP) produces not only Gripen fighters but also radar and air defense technologies, including the Giraffe radar system already used by Ukraine.
- Saab recently developed a mobile air defense system combining the Giraffe radar and a combat machine gun module in just four months, demonstrating rapid innovation and responsiveness.
- This system has been deployed in Poland and has reportedly contributed to air defense efforts there.
Overall Strategic Significance
- The Gripen deal represents a foundational step for Ukraine’s future air force and defense industry development.
- The contract’s scale and localization potential could transform Ukraine’s military aviation landscape for decades.
- Given global defense production bottlenecks and geopolitical priorities, timely signing and implementation of such deals are critical for Ukraine’s long-term security.
The broadcast ends with a call to support Ukraine and appreciation for the ongoing defense discussions.
Presenters and Contributors
- Oleg Katkov, Editor-in-Chief of Defense Express
- Tetyana Ivanska, Radio NV Studio Host
Category
News and Commentary
