Gripen for Ukraine: Sybiha announced preparations of the fighter jets to defend the skies
Kyiv • UNN
Gripen fighter jets are being prepared to defend Ukraine's airspace.
Swedish Gripen fighter jets are preparing to defend Ukraine’s airspace. This was reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha following a meeting in Kyiv with Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, UNN reports.
The extremely effective Swedish Gripen fighter jets are preparing to defend Ukrainian skies
According to him, during the negotiations, the parties compared the schedule for implementing the agreements reached by the leaders of Ukraine and Sweden.
In addition, the ministers discussed the creation of an Anti-Ballistic Coalition, Ukraine’s acquisition of additional interception capabilities, strengthening sanctions against Russia’s missile programme, as well as Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles.
What is known about the Gripen for Ukraine
The programme to strengthen Ukraine’s aviation capabilities with Swedish fighter jets involves both the transfer of Gripen C/D aircraft as part of military aid and the purchase by Ukraine of newer Gripen E aircraft. Ukraine currently expects to receive the first 16 JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets from Sweden at the beginning of 2027. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already undergoing the relevant training.
The aircraft are expected to be equipped with modern air weapons, including Meteor air-to-air missiles. Such missiles will enable Ukrainian aviation to pose a threat to Russian aircraft, including Su-34 and Su-35 jets, which use guided aerial bombs from a great distance from the front line.
In addition, on 30 June, Ukraine signed an agreement to purchase 16 new multirole Gripen E fighter jets. Their deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.
Earlier, the Swedish Parliament allowed the government to transfer up to 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine, as well as to conclude agreements on the sale of new Gripen E/F aircraft.
Reminder
At the beginning of August, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Gripen fighter jets would soon be seen in the Ukrainian skies.