$1 Million Missiles vs $200 Drones—INSANE Problem

Swedish defense giant Saab is looking to arm its Gripen fighter jets with an affordable American rocket system proven to destroy drones in Ukraine, exposing how common sense cost-effectiveness is finally trumping wasteful Pentagon spending habits that have plagued our military for decades.

Story Highlights

Saab exploring integration of $20,000-$35,000 APKWS rockets instead of $1 million missiles to counter cheap drones
Ukraine set to receive up to 150 Gripen jets in 2026 as Sweden backs ally against Russian aggression
APKWS system already destroyed 40% of Houthi drones in Middle East operations, proving battlefield effectiveness
Cost-per-kill economics shift fighter strategy from expensive overkill to practical volume fire against drone swarms

Smart Economics Replace Pentagon Waste

Saab executives revealed at the Singapore Airshow in February 2026 that the company is actively exploring integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System onto JAS 39 Gripen C and E fighter jets. The US-made APKWS, a laser-guided 70mm Hydra rocket, costs between $20,000 and $35,000 per round compared to traditional air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9 at $450,000 or the AIM-120 at over $1 million. This represents the kind of fiscal responsibility that conservatives have demanded for years, finally addressing the absurdity of using million-dollar missiles to destroy cheap Chinese-made drones.

Ukraine War Exposes Wasteful Defense Spending

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine since February 2022 has fundamentally changed air warfare calculations, with both sides deploying massive numbers of inexpensive uncrewed aerial systems. Jussi Halmetoja, Saab’s air domain operations advisor, confirmed the company is “eyeing that capability” after watching APKWS performance in Ukraine’s VAMPIRE truck-mounted systems and US operations against Houthi threats. The system achieved 40% of drone kills in Middle East operations, validating what fiscal conservatives have long argued: smart spending beats throwing money at problems. Mikael Franzén, Gripen’s chief marketing officer, noted the need for four to ten munitions per hardpoint to effectively counter drone swarms.

Sweden Delivers Practical Air Power to Ukraine

Ukraine signed a letter of intent in October 2025 for 120 to 150 Gripen E jets, with initial deliveries expected in 2026 according to President Zelenskyy. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov discussed what officials described as the largest aid package yet in talks on February 1, 2026, including Gripens, long-range Meteor missiles, advanced radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, and drones. The Gripen’s ability to operate from dispersed rough fields with 10-minute turnaround times makes it ideal for Ukraine’s wartime conditions, mirroring the practical design philosophy that prioritizes battlefield effectiveness over gold-plated features.

Ramjet Missiles Add Long-Range Punch

Beyond the economical APKWS, Saab is positioning the Meteor ramjet-powered air-to-air missile as a “natural” complement for Gripen operations in Ukraine. The Meteor extends engagement ranges beyond 200 kilometers at Mach 4 speeds, significantly outperforming Russian rocket-propelled missiles that lose energy throughout flight. When integrated with Sweden’s Saab 340 AEW&C airborne early warning aircraft pledged to Ukraine, the combination enables mid-course missile guidance that keeps Gripen fighters hidden from Russian radars while prosecuting targets. This tactical advantage addresses Ukraine’s need to counter advanced Russian Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35 fighters without exposing limited aircraft to unnecessary risk.

Saab is looking to arm its Gripen fighter jets with a proven drone-killing rocket after studying the Ukraine war https://t.co/EU0vYPe9BE

— Jazz Drummer (@jazzdrummer420) February 7, 2026

The APKWS integration remains under evaluation rather than confirmed, but Saab’s public interest signals a broader industry shift toward volume-based defensive systems. Swedish and Brazilian Gripen operators may adopt similar configurations once Ukraine validates the concept in combat. This practical approach to military procurement stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s years of unchecked defense spending without accountability, demonstrating how real-world combat experience forces smarter resource allocation that protects both warriors and taxpayers.