The annual report of the Swedish Ministry of Defense revealed plans to decommission the JAS 39C/D Gripen multi-role fighters, of which a total of 105 units are in service and which will gradually be replaced by newer ones in the E/F version. At the same time, the new version is a new aircraft, not a modernization of the old one.
As stated, in general, 45 JAS 39C/D Gripen are planned to be gradually decommissioned, but "the timing of this process will be determined depending on the availability and operational capabilities of the JAS 39E/F Gripen." That is, in any case, the replacement of older aircraft is due to the availability of new fighters.
Read more: Gripen for Ukraine Only After F-16: Sweden Pauses Aircraft Transfer
The report of the Swedish Ministry of Defense indicates that "the development and procurement programs for the JAS 39E/F Gripen have been adjusted for 2020-2024 and the Swedish Air Force is preparing freedom of action [orig. - handlingsfriheten] for Ukraine". The latter is apparently closely related to the fact that Sweden has reserved spare parts for 14 Gripen C/D in the interests of Ukraine.
At the same time, another 60 fighters are to undergo modernization in the period from 2025 to 2035 and remain in service with the Swedish Air Force. We are talking about the upgrade programs for MS20 block 3 and MS20 block 4 aircraft.
These upgrades should integrate a new version of the PS-05/A Mk4 radar into Gripen, as well as add the most modern version of the AIM-120C-8 missile to its arsenal. In addition, as follows from the report, the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles should be integrated into the MS20 block.
The stated need to integrate Taurus into Gripen raises a huge question, because it has always been declared that this missile is already integrated into this aircraft. In particular, this is indicated by MDBA, but it should be noted that Sweden itself, despite Saab's participation in the development of Taurus, is not an operator of this missile.
The current version of the JAS 39C/D Gripen in the Swedish Air Force is the MS20 Block 2.1, which includes an upgraded IFF Mode 5 system, Link 16 integration, integration of Meteor air-to-air missiles, SDB bombs, as well as a number of other systems.
As Defense Express reported, Sweden Could Strengthen Ukrainian Air Force Not Only with Saab 340 AEW&C, But with Gripen Fighter Jets Too.
Read more: Ukraine Seeks to Acquire Not Only Gripen but Also Eurofighter Fighters, and This Is Intriguing News
