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Zelenskyj to Sweden – to discuss Gripen agreement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is in Sweden and will participate in a press conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson today, the government writes in a press release.

At the press conference at 1 pm, Kristersson will present news about an "international aviation cooperation". According to Aftonbladet, it concerns a donation of Jas 39 C/D fighter jets to Ukraine. The newspaper writes that Zelenskyj and Kristersson will also begin negotiations on an upcoming deal for Jas 39E.

Sweden donates 16 Gripen – Ukraine may buy 20 more

Sweden donates 16 Jas C/D planes to Ukraine. In addition, Ukraine will be allowed to buy 20 planes of the newest Gripen E/F model.

This is confirmed by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyj.

– We have spoken to one of the Ukrainian test pilots who has flown the Gripen. He pointed out that it is a “game changer for Ukraine’s air defense”, says Kristersson.

This is extremely important support for us, says President Zelenskyj.

– We know that these are excellent combat aircraft. The people of Ukraine thank you and all of Sweden.

The first planes are expected to be in place in 2027. The more modern planes are to be delivered in 2030.

“We will buy all 150 Gripen – we need them”

Ukraine will eventually buy all 150 Gripen planes that were included in the so-called declaration of intent signed with Sweden last year. This is what President Volodymyr Zelenskyj said at the press conference with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

– We need them, he says.

According to the president, the Swedish fighter planes will be equipped with weapons such as the Meteor missile, which has a very long range.

Sweden will donate 16 Jas Gripen model C/D. In addition, Ukraine will buy 20 newer Gripen model E/F planes.

Last fall, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that could lead to a deal for 100-150 Gripen planes.