Comparing the fighter jets that could be sent to Ukraine

Ukraine has made persistent calls for fourth-generation fighter jets to form part of Western military aid packages.

So far, fighter jets have not been part of the deliveries but there have been hints from the US military that this could change.

Forces News has analysed the jets being talked about as potential candidates for the Ukrainian air force.

[maghambor]

The Gripen would be a perfect choice, literally developed and built to counter Russia.

Edit: Obviously, most, if not all, Western fighters are built with Russia in mind. My point, which wasn't clear, was that Gripen is built for a conscription-based military operating from dispersed rugged airfields and converted highways. It's easier to train on and can handle rougher runways.

[davidhughes]

I wish we saw more Gripens operating in the world, the Swedish made a pretty unique fighter and did it on a very tight budget.

[JohnEboy]

Russian Trolls are about. Must of been promised some thin soup and dry bread for their dinner...

[drfill]

F16. Not because it's the best but because it's disposable, and as far as we know, pilots from Ukraine are already being trained on them. Conversion is a difficult process because some of the instruments are the reverse of what Ukraine pilots are used to. That's dangerous in a high pressure situation.

[h.i.sjoevall]

As a Swede seeing this conflict evolve, i feel very grateful to our military leaders here at home. To me, this Russian attack has proven time and again that our leadership have been making the right calls pretty much across the board. The equipment and strategies we have developed turns out to be exactly what is needed to repel a Russian attack; the Robot 57 (NLAW), the Carl Gustav (MAAWS), the pansarskott m/86 (AT4), the BONUS self-guided artillery round, the Archer shoot and scoot artillery system, the easy-to-demolish bridges, the JAS Gripen and much more. It turns out that what we have is exactly what Ukraine needs. 🇸🇪

[hsaurid]

I agree, both the F16s and the Gripen E are good choices. Ultimately, I think it will be the F16 as the US has budgeted $100 million for pilot and related training. Then, who knows what other aircraft would meet the Ukrainian Air Forces needs in the near future and onward.

[terrynewsome]

You forgot the f-18c. Their are a lot knocking about since the navy has been retiring the old Hornets for the super Hornets, can operate from rough fields with low maintenance, and training can be spread out over the us navy/marine, Spain, Finland, Australia, and Canada.

[Mr.mysterious]

The gripens are the best option in this case, but there's not many of them

[charleschristner]

They were having trouble finding export customers for the Gripen. Maybe if they donated a few to Ukraine we could see them in action (might impress other potential buyers) 😉

[shyrose]

The US Navy has retired their F/A-18C Hornet. I think that F/A-18 could be a good choice for Ukraine's Airforce in the shorter term. They can use all weapontypes needed, and they have a long range (edit: long enough range). They are probably the best suited of the US fighters for Ukraine's, let's say a bit "rugged", airfields.
(edit: one of the better. Finland use F-18 in a similar way to how Sweden is using JAS, -39 Gripen.)
The US Navy will eventually replace their F/A-18E Super Hornet with F-35C. The Super Hornets could then become available for Ukraine.
In the longer term I think JAS-39E Gripen is the better choice.

edit: F-16 is what the Ukrainians has asked for themselves (afaik). It's probably the most suitable aircraft for them, and also most likely what they will receive.

The US Navy has also retired the EA-6B Prowler. These electronic warfare aircraft, with AGM-88 HARM, would be a useful addition to Ukraine's Airforce.

[quakerninja]

Send Tom Cruise with one Tomcat two footballs a motorcycle and a guitar.

[carldavies]

F 16 just for sheer availability and the number of nations with instructors available for both flying and maintenance ... With this and the planned upgrade program could be a new lease of life for the aircraft

[thunbergmartin]

It seems far off that the swedish government would send the JAS Gripen, even older C or D models. Although given that most western support have some ulterior motives behind them, I can't help too think that it would be great value for future sales of the Geipen platform too have them proven in battle, and as the video points out, it is really an ideal platform. I know its a ruthless mix, commercial coverage in an ongoing conflict, but I'd even consider sending the never model, no doubt, as an gen 4, 5 fighter, it would perform well. God willing, may ukraine have the power to end this conflict. Slava Ukraini!

[YaMomsOyster]

The Gripen is more is the better single engine, all rounder fighter and is already built to use the wider variety of weapons in NATO’s inventory….and not to mention the turnaround times and maintenance that can be done in the field by only Four Conscripts.

[sloo]

Give them the Grippen and for that matter, Taiwan should be getting more aircraft like the Grippen as well.

[captainhindsight]

SAAB are an exceptional company, the planes are ideal for what Ukraine needs. SAAB also made decent cars.

[rokhnroll]

I would say give Ukraine the Gripen is was designed to counter Russian aggression, ideal for maintenance, weapons compatibility and being multirole it can be adaptable to the varied missions it will need to undertake.

[danieljames]

Giving them just a few old Buccaneers would be useful. Ultra low level ground attack. Give them something, for God's sake.

[UpTheAnte]

Does the F-16 not require something like 20-30 hours maintenance per flight hour?

[michaelillingworth]

I can see benefits in both the saab and f16. Would it be too difficult to have a mixture of both aircraft. Probably the biggest problem would be training, although logistics of parts and maintenance could be a pain too. Having said that, I have to wonder if I'm the only person who thinks that there might be merit in having some of both aircraft.

If the f16 needs decent runways, it's no good if they keep getting bombed, SAABS close to the front and f16s a little further away..

It would be good to get actual comments on this rather than just likes or dislikes since I'm torn on this myself