Russian invasion Swedish reactions

Zelenskyj visits Saab – promises defense news: “Gripen to Ukraine?”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj will visit Sweden on Wednesday, the government said in a press release. More specifically, he will meet Ulf Kristersson at Saab in Linköping, where they are both expected to present a “news item in the defense export area”.

– The entire meeting will take place at Saab and we will discuss a fairly significant Swedish export industry deal, the Prime Minister told Ekot.

Several media outlets have speculated that it could be that Swedish fighter jets will be sent to Ukraine. At the end of September, Ukrainian media reported that the Jas Gripen would soon be part of the military support to Ukraine.

“Will Ukraine get Swedish Gripen planes?” asked the local newspaper Corren on Wednesday morning. At the same time, Ulf Kristersson emphasizes that it is Swedish radar reconnaissance aircraft that are the “big contribution” to Ukraine’s air defense.

The leaders are expected to hold a press conference at 3 p.m.

Analysis: A misconduct if the news is not Jas Gripen

Everything indicates that Kristersson and Zelenskyj will announce news about Jas Gripen today, writes TV4's Johan Fredriksson in an analysis. To flag a major export news at Saab in Linköping and then not deliver the Gripen would be a "malfeasance by Rosenbad", so we can expect that at this afternoon's press conference.

But there are nuances, writes Fredriksson. Are the plans sent directly? Do the countries write a declaration of intent? Is it a loan, lease or purchase?

Ekot's security reporter Mikael Eriksson is not as sure. The Gripen plan contains several American components, which makes the issue sensitive. In addition, Kristersson recently said that it may be possible to sell Jas Gripen to Ukraine - after the war.

- It would have been a rather sharp swing in such a short time, says Eriksson.

Another big advantage of the Jas Gripen is that the plane is very "field-friendly". For example, it is easy to take off and land on regular roads, and to load and unload the plane, Eriksson continues.

Bank: Good for Saab for several years - the deal is worth over 100 billion

A sale of between 100 and 150 Jas Gripen E to Ukraine for around 1 billion kronor each would be very positive for Saab. This is what investment bank Pareto believes after Wednesday's press conference, according to Direkt.

For the entire arms group, the deal could mean that the estimated turnover can be increased by up to 8 percent per year, from 2028 onwards.

At the same time, Pareto reminds us that no concrete order has yet been placed and that it remains unclear how the giant purchase will be financed.Expert: “Strong proof if it works in war”

In addition to the potential large order from Ukraine, it could be of great importance for Saab if Sweden sends existing Jas Gripen planes to the war zone in the near future. This is what Per Olsson, an expert in defense economics at FOI, tells SvD Näringsliv.

– If a fighter jet is used and works in war, it is a very strong proof.

Military expert Jörgen Elfving is on a similar track and tells Expressen that an improved reputation opens up more business.

– The Gripen has had a big impact. Suddenly, many people count on the Gripen as a modern fighter jet.