Ukraine May Get Gripens Armed with Meteor Missiles

In a significant development that could bolster Ukraine’s air combat capabilities, Ukrainian-operated Saab Gripen fighter jets are expected to come equipped with MBDA’s long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, according to a report by Defense News titled “Ukraine’s Gripen jets likely to come with long-reach Meteor missiles.”

The optional inclusion of the Meteor missile, known for its extended range and advanced guidance system, signals a strategic step forward in Kyiv’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air force amid an ongoing conflict with Russia. The Defense News report, citing officials and industry sources, detailed discussions between Sweden and Ukraine on potential arms transfers, including sixth-generation weapons that extend the operational reach and lethality of Ukraine’s aerial fleet.

A key feature of the Meteor system is its ramjet propulsion and active radar seeker, enabling it to engage targets at ranges exceeding 100 kilometers—well beyond the capacity of Soviet-era systems currently in use by Ukrainian forces. Pairing the Gripen’s high manoeuvrability and advanced avionics with the Meteor would pose a serious threat to enemy aircraft and potentially alter the balance of air power in contested areas.

While Ukraine is not yet operating the Swedish-made Gripens, Ukrainian pilots have completed evaluations in Sweden as part of a broader initiative to train and prepare the country’s air force for Western fighter integration. Sweden, a recently accessioned NATO member, has been openly supportive of supplying advanced military assistance to Ukraine but has not yet formalized a transfer of Gripen jets.

Saab representatives at the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, indicated that the combination of the Meteor missile system with the Gripen remains an integral element of the aircraft’s export configuration. However, they refrained from commenting directly on potential deals involving Ukraine, citing the sensitivity of ongoing discussions.

The push to provide longer-range and more sophisticated air-to-air capabilities is part of NATO’s broader efforts to enable Ukraine to defend itself more effectively against a technologically superior Russian air force. Integrating the Meteor missile would also align Ukraine’s future air defense architecture more closely with NATO standards as the country continues its path toward Euro-Atlantic military interoperability.

Defense analysts note that the potential delivery of Gripens with Meteor missiles would complement other recent aid packages, including Western-made tanks, artillery systems, and air defense platforms. However, logistical challenges, training durations, and political approvals remain critical factors that could shape the timeline and scope of such a transfer.

As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its third year, Western governments appear increasingly committed to transitioning Ukraine away from Soviet-era legacy systems toward a fully NATO-compatible defense structure. Should plans move forward, the inclusion of Meteor-equipped Gripens would mark a high point in Ukraine’s gradual transformation into a modern European military force.