Key Takeaways
- The UK government welcomed the Ukraine‑Sweden deal for 16 used Gripen C/D fighters and a possible purchase of 20 new Gripen E aircraft, calling it a boost for Ukraine’s defence and a benefit for Britain’s defence industry.
- Over 30 % of each Gripen fighter is manufactured in the United Kingdom, involving at least 50 British companies and sustaining more than 5,000 jobs.
- Leonardo UK supplies the advanced Raven ES‑05 AESA radar, the Skyward‑G passive infrared search‑and‑track system, the BriteCloud active decoy, electronic‑warfare architecture elements, and the Mode 5 NATO IFF system.
- APPH provides the main and nose landing gear and hydraulic components; Martin‑Baker supplies the Mk10 ejection seat (adapted as the S10SL for Gripen).
- GKN Aerospace Engine Systems maintains and repairs the Gripen E’s RM16 engine (a modified GE F414) and has delivered upgraded RM12 engines under the RM12EP programme.
- The agreement underscores the deep integration of UK defence suppliers into the Gripen programme and highlights the strategic value of the partnership for both Ukraine’s combat capability and the UK’s industrial base.
UK Government Welcomes Ukraine‑Sweden Gripen Deal
On 28 May the UK government issued a press statement welcoming the agreement between Ukraine and Sweden for the transfer of 16 used Gripen C/D fighters to the Ukrainian Air Force, together with the prospect of selling 20 new Gripen E aircraft. The statement highlighted that the deal not only strengthens Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression but also delivers positive news for the United Kingdom’s own defence industrial base. Ministers stressed that the agreement exemplifies a united UK effort—government, armed forces, and industry—working together to support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Strategic Importance for Ukraine’s Air Power
The acquisition of Gripen fighters represents a significant upgrade for Ukrainian aviation. The used C/D models will immediately augment the fleet, while the potential procurement of the newer Gripen E offers a pathway to a modern, multi‑role fighter equipped with advanced avionics, weapons, and survivability features. By integrating these aircraft, Ukraine gains improved air‑defence coverage, better precision strike capability, and increased interoperability with NATO partners, all of which are critical in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Broad UK Industrial Involvement
The UK government noted that more than 30 % of each Gripen fighter—previously quoted as 36 %—is manufactured in the United Kingdom. This substantial share translates into direct work for at least 50 British companies involved in fulfilling the Ukrainian contract. Collectively, these firms sustain over 5,000 jobs across the country, ranging from high‑tech electronics manufacturers to specialist aerospace engineering firms. The deal therefore acts as a catalyst for maintaining and expanding skilled employment within the UK defence sector.
Leonardo UK: Radar and Sensor Suite Contributions
Leonardo UK plays a central role in the Gripen programme, chiefly through the production of the Raven ES‑05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Compared with the legacy PS‑05/A radar fitted to the Gripen C/D, the ES‑05 provides greater detection range, enhanced resistance to electronic jamming, higher sensitivity, and a wider field of regard—key advantages in contested airspace. Beyond the radar, Leonardo UK supplies the Skyward‑G passive infrared search‑and‑track (IRST) system, the BriteCloud active decoy that helps defeat incoming missiles, and contributes to the aircraft’s overall electronic warfare architecture. The company also provides the Mode 5 NATO identification‑friend‑or‑foe (IFF) system, ensuring secure coalition operations.
Landing Gear, Hydraulics, and Ejection Seats
APPH is responsible for the main and nose landing gear assemblies as well as the associated hydraulic components that enable reliable operation of the Gripen under varied field conditions. Martin‑Baker, the world leader in ejection seat technology, supplies its Mk10 system, which has been specially adapted for the Swedish Gripen and designated the S10SL. This seat offers improved survivability for aircrew, integrating advanced restraints and sequencing mechanisms that meet stringent safety standards.
Engine Support and GKN Aerospace’s Role
GKN Aerospace, via its Swedish subsidiary GKN Aerospace Engine Systems, provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the Gripen E’s RM16 engine—a derivative of the General Electric F414. Earlier this year, GKN delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Air Force under the RM12EP (Enhanced Performance) programme, which aims to re‑engine the entire Gripen C/D fleet. This work not only ensures operational readiness but also opens pathways for future upgrades that could benefit Ukrainian operators should they acquire the newer E variant.
Wider UK Supply Chain Impact
The list of British contributors extends far beyond the highlighted firms. Numerous subcontractors provide avionics wiring, flight‑control software, structural composites, and testing equipment that together enable the Gripen’s performance and reliability. Because over 30 % of each aircraft originates in the UK, any increase in Gripen orders—whether for Sweden, Ukraine, or other export customers—directly translates into expanded workloads for these companies. The deal therefore reinforces the UK’s reputation as a hub of high‑value aerospace manufacturing and sustains a skilled workforce capable of supporting future defence programmes.
Conclusion: A Mutual Advantage
The UK government’s endorsement of the Ukraine‑Sweden Gripen agreement reflects a strategic convergence of interests. For Ukraine, the fighters bolster defensive and offensive air capabilities at a critical juncture. For the United Kingdom, the contract validates the depth and competitiveness of its defence industry, securing thousands of jobs and showcasing British expertise in radar, avionics, life‑support systems, and engine support. As Ukraine potentially moves toward acquiring the newer Gripen E, the UK’s industrial footprint is poised to grow even further, reinforcing a partnership that enhances both European security and the UK’s economic resilience.