Sweden: Counter Russian threat with Gripen fighter jets
・Why ‘Sukhoi Killer’?
・What will happen to the grant to Ukraine?
We will provide a summary of articles published on NHK.
The secret of the fighter Gripen:
What kind of fighter plane is Gripen?
Designed to counter the Russian threat. It’s a very capable fighter.
Will it be granted to Ukraine?
Covering the Gripen development site: NHK reporter Eri Takasu
The manufacturing and development site for electronic components, which can be said to be the brain behind Gripen.
It was the first time in the world that television media covered it.
What is the Gripen fighter jet against Russia?
The Gripen is a fighter aircraft developed by Sweden’s SAAB in the 1980s.
Gripen, a multi-role fighter jet developed by Saab:
In Swedish, it is called JAS39/Gripen.
‘Jakt’ means battle, ‘Attack’ means attack, ‘Spaning’ means reconnaissance.
They perform a variety of missions, from reconnaissance to ground attack and air-to-air combat.
1.More than 300 machines were produced. Currently, the Swedish military has 96 Gripens.
2. NATO members Czech Republic, Hungary, Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand have also introduced it.
Donating Gripen to Ukraine?
Last August, President Zelenskiy of Ukraine.
Discussions have begun with Sweden regarding the provision of Gripens to Ukraine.
If realized, it could significantly change the course of the war.
Prime Minister Cristsion and President Zelenskiy:
Stockholm In August 2023, Gripen provision was discussed.
Gripen is Sukhoi Killer:
Why is President Zelenskiy asking for the Gripen?
NHK requests interview with Saab:
To find out why, I applied for an interview with Saab last December.
After two months of negotiations, NHK was granted permission to install cameras for the first time in the world.
NHK reporting team visited his Saab:
A factory located on the outskirts of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.
Security is very strict, and electronic devices such as smartphones are left at the entrance.
1. Photography is prohibited on the exterior of the building and even inside the building.
2. Interviews were permitted on the condition that “the shooting location and instructions must be followed.”
What are Gripen’s strengths?
It is also called the “Sukhoi Killer” after the name of a Russian fighter jet.
1. Gripen’s strength is that it uses electromagnetic waves to give it an advantage in battle.
2. The person in charge emphasized that it is superior to “electronic warfare.”
Programming board manufacturing process:
Programming board used for Saab manufacturing munitions (including Gripen).
The board is manufactured using a special machine.
Use a microscope to check each item to make sure there are no defects.
Crafting the brain and heart of the Gripen:
During the board checking process, nearly 300 board types were identified.
This is truly the brain and heart of Gripen.
Gripen’s radar countermeasures:
The next room I was shown was a room dedicated to testing.
Will the Gripen not be detected by the opponent’s radar?
Here we are testing Gripen’s stealth performance.
In some cases, the test can take nearly a day.
Jammer pod: (device that jams enemy radio waves)
Jammer pod devices hold the key to electronic warfare. Weight is approximately 300kg
1. Detects radio waves transmitted by enemy radar facilities and radar-guided missiles.
2. A powerful jamming signal can be sent to the enemy.
Jammer pod advanced features:
Gripen jams enemy radar and hides itself.
It makes it seem like there are many aircraft flying when in fact only one aircraft is flying.
Swedish Air Force: Luleå Air Base
What are Gripen’s strengths beyond electronic warfare?
The Swedish Air Force trains with Gripen every day in preparation for Russia.
To cover the actual training, I visited Luleå Air Base, 900 km from Stockholm.
I covered Gripen training for about an hour in temperatures close to -20 degrees.
Gripen training at Swedish air base:
How can we protect Sweden?
In recent years, there has been an increase in training aimed at how to protect Sweden.
How would you respond if Russia, which was overwhelming in numbers, attacked?
1. In addition to the superiority of electronic warfare, takeoff preparations can be made with a small number of people.
2. Being able to refuel in just 10 minutes,
Ease of maintenance is another Gripen strength.
Takeoff and landing using highways, etc.:
Swedish military pilots emphasized this the most.
1. The distance required for takeoff and landing is shorter than other fighter jets.
2. The point is that you can take off and land using highways.
3. The Gripen can take off and land almost anywhere within 500 meters.
4. If you gather all your fighters in one place, it will be easy for the enemy to locate you.
5. Decentralize your fighters with Gripen’s dispersible mobility.
It becomes harder for the enemy to know where we are.
Also valid for Ukraine:
Will Gripen change the course of war in Ukraine?
Is there a possibility that the situation of the war will change with the introduction of Gripen?
Saab CEO Mikael Johansson:
Gripen was designed to ‘defend Sweden from the Russian threat’.
Very capable fighter:
If Sweden supplies the Gripen, the Ukrainian military will gain air superiority.
We will support Ukraine to protect democracy and protect itself from Russia.
Ukraine wins this war:
1. A victory for Ukraine will be important for the future of the EU.
2. This is also very important for Sweden, which is close to the Russian border.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
Europe’s security environment is undergoing major changes and is becoming increasingly threatening.
In Sweden, men and women are subject to military conscription when they turn 18.
We spoke to high school students. Our country may be next.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/international_news_navi/articles/feature/2024/03/06/37984.html