Ukraine signed a contract with Sweden for 16 Gripen fighter jets. They will arrive at the beginning of next year as a "donation" from the government and people of Sweden. Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov told journalists this during a joint press conference with Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson, reports UNN.
Details
These are specifically Gripen aircraft of the C/D versions. Meanwhile, the newest fighters in the E version will begin arriving over the coming years.
The aircraft will be completely new, these are new versions of the aircraft, and we will purchase them using credit funds from the European Union, and the United Kingdom will also assist us in this. In the near future, we will complete all bureaucratic procedures, but we signed the most important agreement just yesterday
He added that these aircraft fully meet all our needs for protecting Ukraine from the Russian invaders.
Context
Ukraine received the opportunity to purchase up to 20 Swedish-made Gripen fighters, and is also expected to receive 16 as bilateral aid from Sweden.
UNN also reported that Swedish defense technology manufacturer Saab has signed a contract for the supply of 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine worth approximately $2.54 billion.