Gripen for the Development of Ukrainian Aviation

• Zelensky and Kristersson discussed the development of aviation in Ukraine.
• Sweden allocated $4 billion for the defense of Ukraine in 2023.
• Gripen could become part of the Ukrainian combat fleet.

This is reported by RBC Ukraine, Ukrinform.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced the start of a large-scale project for combat aviation, which is being implemented jointly with Sweden. According to him, this project has the potential for long-term cooperation that could last for decades.

During a conversation with the Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, Zelensky noted that Ukraine is preparing new steps for the development of its combat aviation. He emphasized the importance of this project for strengthening Ukraine's aviation capabilities.

Gripen for Ukraine

In 2023, Sweden allowed Ukrainian pilots to train on multi-role Gripen fighters. Notably, the Swedish Parliament approved the transfer of these aircraft to Ukraine.

On May 28, 2024, the Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson announced that Western countries had requested Stockholm to delay the transfer of Gripen fighters, as the priority was the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine.

In a few months, the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström stated that Sweden had not transferred Gripen, as Kyiv believes that the simultaneous operation of two systems, F-16 and Gripen, would be logistically complex.

In the meantime, Sweden has deployed its Gripen to NATO for the first time, patrolling the airspace of Poland.

Tags: Ukraine/Aviation