Sweden has announced its readiness to consider the supply of modern JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine after the war with Russia is over.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed that Kyiv has expressed interest in these aircraft.
According to him, a potential deal would be a “long-term project” to build joint aviation capabilities.
“We have a dialogue with Ukraine as well, and as they have certainly expressed interest in Gripen aircraft… mainly the Gripen Echo, the new version that Sweden and Brazil also operate,” Jonson said, commenting on a possible future sale.
The Minister emphasized that any delivery depends on the end of hostilities, and that the transfer of the aircraft should be part of a broader strategy to restore Ukraine’s air force. He also noted that Sweden has considerable experience in building the aviation capabilities of other countries, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand and Brazil.
Stockholm is “open to discussing” the possibility of donating Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine. Jonson confirmed that he recently discussed this issue with his Ukrainian counterpart during a visit to Kyiv.
At the same time, Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated that the delivery of Gripen E is possible “over time,” but the final decision should be political.
