Ukraine has agreed to purchase up to 20 Gripen fighters and is set to receive 16 as aid from Sweden
Kyiv • UNN
Ukraine has agreed that it can purchase up to 20 Gripen E/F fighters for 2.5 billion euros from an EU loan. Sweden is also expected to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as aid.
Ukraine has gained the opportunity to purchase up to 20 Swedish-made Gripen fighters and is also expected to receive 16 as bilateral aid from Sweden. The relevant joint press statement was released on May 28 by the Office of the President of Ukraine, UNN reports.
Ukraine is purchasing Swedish fighter jets
As noted, "Ukraine's highest priority is air defense. In order to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, Sweden and Ukraine are launching a large-scale defense agreement, which involves Ukraine's purchase of Swedish Gripen fighters."
As a first step, the Swedish government is providing the opportunity to purchase up to 20 Gripen E/F modification fighters, for which Ukraine plans to allocate 2.5 billion euros from the European Union loan amount within the Ukraine Support Loan. Once Ukraine takes the appropriate steps to implement the said purchase, Sweden also intends to transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighters as part of bilateral aid
As reported, "Sweden also presented its largest military aid package to date."
"In addition to the decision to transfer Gripen C/D fighters, it also includes long-range capabilities, ammunition, EW equipment, and support for innovation," the statement reads.