Equipping Ukraine for the long haul: a role for Swedish JAS Gripen?

There will be a long-term requirement for significant western input into Ukrainian defence. Serious consideration must begin to the nature and scale of that input. Equipment is the most expensive element of capability and takes the longest to generate. The emphasis should continue to be on the supply of existing platforms, rather than the development or manufacture of new systems. On land, the United States has a great deal of effective equipment in storage, including tanks, armoured fighting vehicles and self-propelled artillery, of sufficient quality and in sufficient quantity to provide adequate defensive capabilities. Poland could also play a major role in a lend-lease capacity.

In the air, the focus should be on reinforcing Ukrainian success by a deeper and wider supply of ground-based air defence systems and drones, alongside a realistic appreciation of the requirement for crewed aircraft. The most suitable fighter/strike jet is the Swedish Gripen C/D, a sufficient number of which could be available over the next few years. At sea, attention should be given to new and relatively cheap assets such as uncrewed submarines, and crewed missile and patrol boats. Most importantly, whatever platforms are preferred, serious consideration of these matters must begin now.