Ukraine to receive first Gripen jets with long-range Meteor missiles within 10 months
The first Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, together with long-range Meteor missiles, are expected to arrive in Ukraine within the next ten months.
Censor.NET reports this, citing the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Gripen jets to receive long-range missiles
The Ministry of Defence noted that Gripen aircraft equipped with Meteor missiles could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and complicate operations for Russian aircraft near the front line.
"Gripen aircraft with Meteor missiles can help push Russian aviation farther back and reduce the enemy’s ability to carry out mass use of aerial bombs," the ministry stressed.
What makes Meteor missiles special
Meteor is a long-range air-to-air missile produced by the European company MBDA. Its engagement range exceeds 100 kilometers, while its maximum range can reach up to 200 kilometers.
The missile reaches speeds of about 4,600 km/h and is equipped with an active radar seeker and a ramjet engine.
The Ministry of Defence notes that these characteristics allow the missile to maintain high speed throughout its flight and effectively hit aerial targets at long range.
What capabilities Ukraine will receive
The military department believes that Gripen jets with Meteor missiles will create a constant threat to Russian aircraft launching guided aerial bombs.
In particular, this concerns Su-34 fighter-bombers, which Russia actively uses to strike Ukrainian positions and frontline cities.
