As Russia's air force continues to launch attacks in Ukraine, it is necessary for the country to have air assets.

The best jet for Ukraine is the Gripen, a 4.5th- generation multirole fighter jet built by Sweden's Saab and which is "by far the most suitable candidate in terms of operational requirements," according to the trio.

Three experts said in a recent report thatUkraine needs a fighter with missiles that offer the greatest possible effective range under low-altitude, subsonic launch conditions.

A Saab JAS 39C Gripen jet performs during an aerial show in Eslov in this June 5, 2011 file photo. REUTERS/Johan Nilsson/TT News Agency/Files
A Saab JAS 39C Gripen jet during an air show in June 2011.
Thomson Reuters

The ramjet design of the Gripen allows it to carry the air-to-air missile, which can be fired from safer distances. Anti-ship missiles can be fitted onto the jet.

The radars used by Russia's jets and surface-to-air-missile systems have been designed to be less effective by the Gripen's electronic warfare capabilities.

In order to minimize the risk of the jets being detected and destroyed, the Ukrainian government needs a jet that can operate from shorter, more rudimentary airstrips and from basic air bases with smaller ground crews.

Czech Republic JAS-39 Gripen
A JAS-39 Gripen at a base near Prague in April 2005.
REUTERS/Petr Josek PJ/AA

According to the report, the Gripen was designed from the beginning for ease of maintenance and can be re-armed and given basic maintenance by teams of just six ground crew.

While most US fighter jets require extensive ground support equipment, which would be difficult to build without being observed and hit by Russian strikes, only one member of that crew needs to be highly trained.

The operational costs of the US-made F-16, F-18E/F, and F-35, as well as the French-designed Eurofighter, are higher.

An underdog in limited supply

Hungarian Air Force JAS-39 Gripen
A Hungarian Air Force JAS-39 Gripen in August 2010.
REUTERS/Stringer

The design of the JAS 39 Gripen was influenced by Russia. The 4.5th-generation jet can reach Mach 2 and Supercruise without relying on an after burner.

The jet has never seen combat, but it has performed very well in exercises against 4th generation aircraft that are on par with Russia's jets.

It hasn't been adopted by a lot of countries. The main operators of the jet are South Africa, Brazil, and Thailand. The jet is being considered by other countries.

The jet's opponent seems to be the F-35. When it comes to international fighter-jet competition, the US's clout creates an even playing field as it lacks stealth and other capabilities, according to the CEO of the company.

F-16 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet
US Air Force F-16s with Swedish air force JAS 39 Gripens over the Baltic Sea during an exercise in June 2018.
US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Jordan Kaminski

In addition to Sweden, the F-35 has lost bids in other countries. The F-16 is a fourth- generation fighter that is used around the world.

The Swedish jet is well regarded by aviation experts for being highly capable, relatively easy to use, and inexpensive despite the failed bids.

The Russian air force has been more cautious since it failed to achieve air dominance in Ukraine.

A few modern Western fighters with long-range missiles would likely have a disproportionate deterrent effect.

Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen
A new Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen at an air base in Brasilia in October 2020.
Andre Borges/Getty Images

The Swedish fighter has an interest in the Ukrainian city. In an interview in October, the Ukrainian Defense Minister said he was certain that fighter jets like F-16s, F-15s, or Gripen from Sweden would be possible in the future.

The Swedish capital is increasing its support for the Ukrainian city. Air-defense systems were included in the military aid package that was recently announced.

It may be difficult to find grips for Ukraine. Producing new jets takes a long time, so any jet sent to Kyiv will most likely come from Sweden's own fleet or from other countries.

The only NATO members that operate the jet are the Czech Republic and Hungary.

He works on security in Europe. He received a master's degree in European affairs from the school. You can get in touch with him on the professional networking site.