Ukraine Aims to Localize Gripen Fighter Production: Opportunities and Challenges
According to Anatoliy Khrapchinsky, Deputy General Director of the Electronic Warfare Equipment Manufacturing Company, Ukraine has ambitious plans to establish a modern factory within its territory dedicated to the final assembly of Swedish Gripen fighters.
This initiative will not only bolster the country’s defense sector but also mark a significant step in a multi-stage strategy of localizing military equipment manufacturing, which has been clearly outlined in the state’s vision and supported by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Discussions are already underway regarding integrating Gripen into Ukraine’s aviation component as part of broader defense reforms.
It is important to mention that the manufacturer Saab previously faced difficulties in providing sufficient quantities of aircraft and components, leading to a focus on upgrading and acquiring F-16 fighters.
However, Khrapchinsky emphasizes that the extensive network of Ukrainian aviation enterprises—such as the Kharkiv Aircraft Plant, Lviv Aircraft Plant, MiGremont, Motor Sich, Ilychenko Progress, and Antonov—can unite efforts to produce specific parts of the aircraft across different facilities.
This approach not only enhances localization but also helps mitigate risks associated with sabotage in the event of full-scale military aggression.
Industry experts believe that adopting such a decentralized production model will open new opportunities for Ukraine’s defense industry and strengthen its position on the international stage.