Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Sweden to prepare a new defense package. Strengthening Ukraine's aviation with Gripen fighter jets will be discussed.
Stockholm is preparing the transfer of Jas 39 C/D aircraft and negotiations for the sale of the E version. Payment will be made using European Union credit funds.
Sybiha discussed Gripen fighter jets and EU accession in Sweden. Stockholm will support the opening of all negotiation clusters for Ukraine by the end of June.
Mexico plans to purchase 12 fighter jets to modernize its fleet. Choosing Gripen aircraft could create a backlog and hinder Ukraine's rapid rearmament.
Sweden has handed over a batch of specialized equipment to Ukraine for airfield maintenance. The equipment will allow for the maintenance of runways in 24/7 readiness.
Ukraine and Sweden are preparing the supply of Gripen fighter jets for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov discussed the details with the leadership of Sweden and Saab.
The President's Office discussed the transfer of Gripen aircraft and Ukraine's accession to the EU. The parties coordinated efforts to increase international pressure on Russia.
Zelenskyy confirmed the start of pilot training on Swedish aircraft. Sweden allocates 80 billion kronor in aid and discusses localization of production.
Sweden has allocated 4 billion to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is discussing the transfer of Gripen aircraft. The parties also agreed on humanitarian aid and energy resilience.
The leaders of France and Germany will hold talks on the future of the FCAS combat system. The project is under threat due to disputes between Dassault and Airbus.
Spanish company Indra has upgraded the Meteor missile for Ukraine, improving its data transmission system and resistance to electronic warfare. This will enhance the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, which expects the missiles in 2026 along with Gripen C/D fighters.
The Swedish company Saab is building a portfolio of potential orders for over 300 JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters. Ukraine could order up to 150 aircraft, and Canada – 72, with the possibility of localizing production.
President Zelenskyy announced agreements on the supply of 50 Gripen and 100 Rafale aircraft. Ukraine plans to develop its military aviation.
Ukraine considers self-sufficiency as a "Plan B" for security guarantees, as it cannot fully rely on the promises of its allies. The country aims to create a powerful army and develop its own defense production.
Sweden is preparing one of the largest military aid packages for Ukraine, which includes Gripen fighters with Meteor missiles and advanced radar systems. This will strengthen Ukraine's air defense and allow it to destroy enemy aircraft at long distances.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey signed a roadmap for defense partnership. They also discussed preparations for the February 'Ramstein' meeting.
Sweden is ready to provide Ukraine with Gripen fighter jets and resources for demining the Black Sea after a peace agreement is signed with Russia. This was stated by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson after the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to sign agreements with France on the supply of air defense systems, missiles, and fighter jets. Sources report plans for Rafale fighter jets and additional SAMP/T air defense systems.
Ukrainian and Swedish sides are making progress on financing a deal that could include Kyiv's purchase of up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets. Stockholm is considering export credits, frozen Russian assets, and an aid program for Ukraine to cover part of the costs.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained that Gripen fighter jets are among the most useful for Ukraine due to their low cost, lower maintenance needs, and ease of mastery by pilots. These aircraft are also convenient for using a wide range of weapons that Ukraine uses.
The Swedish group Saab is considering opening a plant in Ukraine for the final assembly of components for JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets. This is due to an agreement between Ukraine and Sweden on the purchase of 100-150 combat aircraft.
Ukraine is counting on the supply of 150 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, the first of which should appear next year. President Zelenskyy stated that these aircraft are part of Ukraine's security guarantees.
Ukraine can receive up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters within three years. These aircraft can take off from highways and can carry Meteor, IRIS-T, and Taurus missiles.
Yurii Ihnat, head of the communications department of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, stated that the production and transfer of Gripen fighters is a complex and lengthy process. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson believes that the delivery of the aircraft could begin within three years.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that payment for 100-150 Jas Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine is possible using frozen Russian assets. The cost of 100 Jas Gripen E model aircraft is estimated at $8.5 billion.
The Swedish Embassy in Ukraine published a funny photo of a cat at the controls of a Gripen fighter, commenting on the future supply of these aircraft. This was a reaction to the signing of a letter of cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden on the development of air capabilities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that the delivery of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in the E modification to Ukraine is possible within three years. This is due to the fact that the production of these aircraft is only just beginning.
President Zelenskyy stated that he is more optimistic about the end of the war compared to 9 months ago. He noted the significant work done and improved relations with the United States.
Filashkin reported that approximately 1,200 and 5,000 people remain in the frontline cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, respectively.
Ukraine and Sweden have signed a letter of intent on cooperation in the development of air capabilities. As part of a future agreement, Ukraine will be able to purchase up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft in the E modification.