The UK government released a press statement on May 28 welcoming the agreement between Ukraine and Sweden on the transfer of 16 used Gripen C/D fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force, as well as the potential sale of 20 new Gripen E aircraft.
The British side also emphasized that the deal not only strengthens Ukraine's military capabilities against russian aggression but is positive news for the UK's own defense industrial base.
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This deal is not only a significant boost for Ukrainian aviation, but a demonstration of confidence in the UK's world-leading defense industry, which supports thousands of good jobs across the country. This is an example of the UK coming together for Ukraine: our government, our military, and our industry, said Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Luke Pollard.
The reason is that British industry is in fact deeply involved in the production of components for Swedish Gripen fighters as the UK government notes, over 30% [previously reported as 36%] of each fighter is manufactured in the United Kingdom.
At least 50 British companies will be engaged in fulfilling the Ukrainian contract, and the deal will sustain over 5,000 jobs.
Chief among British contributions is the production of one of the most important components of the Swedish fighter the Raven ES-05 AESA radar from Leonardo UK, integrated on the latest Gripen E. Compared to the PS-05/A radar fitted to the Gripen C/D, it offers greater range, improved resistance to jamming, higher sensitivity, and a wider field of regard.
But radars are not the only Leonardo UK contribution to the Gripen. The company also supplies the Skyward-G passive infrared search and track system, the BriteCloud active decoy, plays a role in shaping the aircraft's overall electronic warfare architecture, and provides the Mode 5 NATO IFF target identification system.
APPH supplies and develops the main and nose landing gear as well as hydraulic components. Martin-Baker — the world leader in ejection seat manufacturing supplies its Mk10 system, adapted specifically for the Swedish Gripen.
GKN Aerospace, through its Swedish subsidiary GKN Aerospace Engine Systems, provides maintenance and repair services for the Gripen E's RM16 engine a modified General Electric F414 and earlier this year delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Air Force under the RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) program, which covers re-engining the entire Gripen C/D fleet.
This is far from a complete list of British companies involved in the production and support of Swedish Gripen fighters which in turn means that the UK will also play a significant role in Ukraine's future transition to the latest generation fighter aircraft.
Translated by Taisiia Vivdych.
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