Sweden makes statement on Gripen fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine
Photo: Sweden made a statement regarding the supply of Gripen aircraft to Ukraine (Getty Images)
Sweden does not currently plan to supply Ukraine with JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets; the issue is still under consideration, Expressen reports.
In particular, Spokesperson of the Swedish Ministry of Defense, Johan Hjelmstrand, said that work was still ongoing and that they had no new information on the matter.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is interested in receiving the C/D models, as well as purchasing new Gripen E jets.
Hjelmstrand also added that Sweden and Ukraine continue to maintain a “good and deep dialogue.”
Background
Previously, Ukrainian Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk stated that Sweden could provide Ukraine with multi-role Gripen fighter jets. The details of the deliveries are still unknown.
According to Havrylyuk, additional deliveries of F-16s, Mirage jets, and even Gripens are "expected." Ukrainian military did not disclose exactly when or how many fighter jets Ukraine will receive. In his words, "you’ll know when you see them in the sky."
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role light fighter jet produced by the Swedish company Saab. There are several variants: the older C/D versions and the newer E/F models. The C model is equipped with a 27 mm Mauser cannon, has eight weapon hardpoints, and can carry air-to-air missiles, as well as guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles.
