Ukraine and Sweden agree on localizing Gripen production - MoD
Photo: Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense (facebook.com/dshmyhal)
Ukraine has reached agreements with Sweden on localizing the production of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets on its territory starting in 2033, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this during a briefing.
"Yesterday (November 6 — ed.), a corresponding memorandum was signed between one Ukrainian company and SAAB regarding the future localization of Gripen production in Ukraine," Shmyhal said.
According to him, starting in 2033, the production of the fighter jets will be significantly localized on Ukrainian territory. The plan envisions a wide range of work — from large-unit assembly to individual components.
Shmyhal said that Ukraine and the Swedish Ministry of Defense have "worked out in detail" the agreements, including the supply of 150 Gripen ECO-class fighter jets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that communication regarding delivery timelines for these aircraft will remain limited until all documents are prepared and financing issues are resolved. He also emphasized that aviation is a priority for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian leader, likely sources of funding for the Gripen deliveries include frozen Russian assets and bilateral agreements with partners.
Gripen for Ukraine
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently announced that Kyiv and Stockholm have agreed on a major defense deal. Under this agreement, Sweden will sell Ukraine up to 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets over the next 15 years.
Already in October this year, it became known that Ukraine will receive its first Gripen jets from Sweden in three years.
RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Sweden may help Ukraine cover the cost of the deal for the supply of 150 Gripen fighter jets. Several options are being considered to help finance the agreement.
