Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent to enhance collaboration in air capabilities, opening the door for Ukrainian acquisition of Swedish-made Gripen fighter aircraft, Ukraine’s Office of the President said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the document was the first official move toward creating “a considerable fleet” of Gripens for the Ukrainian Air Force. He called the jets “powerful aviation platforms that are able to carry out a whole variety of tasks,” the presidential statement said.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the deal a long-term framework that initiates a 10- to 15-year journey and announced plans to seek financing opportunities with partners. He stated the aim is to see “tangible results” in the year to come.
Ukrainian officials said that they expect a future deal to permit delivery of at least 100 aircraft, pending follow-up action. Kyiv aims to move swiftly on conditions like pilot and ground crew training and support infrastructure buildout, the statement continued.
Zelenskyy and Kristersson met in Linköping with Saab AB Chairman Marcus Wallenberg and CEO Micael Johansson to view production facilities and briefings on the capabilities of Gripen. Ukrainian forces are already operating Saab-made systems like anti-tank weapons, air defense assets, and radars, according to the statement.
Ukraine seeks long-term collaboration with Saab in relation to the formation of a new Air Force. Officials mentioned low maintenance and short runway capability of the Gripen as benefits towards the defense needs of Ukraine.
Further details, such as quantities, timelines, and financing conditions, will depend on follow-on agreements and implementation efforts with Sweden and industry partners, the statement continued.
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