Ukraine has signed the papers for a major purchase of up to 150 Saab-manufactured, Gripen fighter jets from Sweden with Sweden donating up to 16 Gripen fighter jets on the purchase of the first 20 fighter jets. The signing comes after a day of deadly Russian bombings striking at Ukrainian civilians in Odesa. The Gripen jets will be used to serve as part of air-defences but further details were not disclosed.
The announcement was originally made earlier this year as part of Ukraine’s campaign to build its air-force.
The Gripen jets will be manufactured in Sweden but will also bring orders for essential parts from the British aero-space industry. A statement by the British Defence Ministry can be found here.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Russian threats and blackmail will not prevent Sweden from helping Ukraine which is in Europe’s and Sweden’s interest. The Swedish Prime Minister said that training of pilots is already ongoing and the first delivery will be made in the next six months.
Ukrainian Presiden Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on the urgency of delivery at this current time when Russia is escalating its airstrikes against Ukrainian civilians. The Ukrainian President added that at this moment it is difficult to procure Patriot missiles due to the war on Iran and the Gripen fighter jets will fill a very asignificant gap in air-defence.
You can watch the full press conference here. Statement by Swedish government can be found here.
Newsroom
Leave a Reply