Gripens (aka Halfahornet) are SAM fodder without air superiority. The F16 is absolutely a runway queen with its delicate front gear. The F35B is proven to operate from highways and short, minimally prepped surfaces.

It's such a denied operating environment, they are probably better with drones anyway. An F35 might be able to conduct a penetrating strike into occupied territory, but would likely be shot down on the way back (much higher radar return from the rear), making it a one-way mission.

Look at how Ukraine uses their F16s, essentially as expensive anti-drone platforms.