“Today it became known about Ukraine’s intention to purchase at least a hundred of the latest Swedish fighter jets.”, — write: www.unian.ua
Today it became known about Ukraine’s intention to purchase at least a hundred of the latest Swedish fighter jets.
Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson says that the planes will have to wait / UNIAN collage, photo Wikipedia, president.gov.uaThe first batch of Swedish Gripen fighters of the new modification can be delivered to Ukraine, probably not earlier than in three years. According to the correspondent of UNIAN, this was stated by Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Swedish Prime Minister noted that in his country the process of deploying the production of the updated version of the Gripen – the E series – is just beginning.
“Therefore, we are talking about three years in practice. This is when we will be able to start deliveries. And further – you will not be able to deliver all 150 aircraft in one batch. That is, it is a long-term process,” Kristersson emphasized.
He added that it is about financing and a long-term process, and not about one short-term purchase.
“We are saying that deliveries will be possible in the next three years. It is possible. I want to emphasize that this is not something that is done all at once. We are simply showing our readiness and desire. This is how all processes begin,” the Swedish Prime Minister added.
At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine is very much looking forward to receiving from Sweden the number of new Gripen aircraft that was discussed – at least 100 aircraft.
“And we will also talk about other planes that are not the latest, in order to somehow speed up their … delivery,” Zelenskyy said.
In addition, he said that Ukraine will talk about the training of Ukrainian pilots.
“But the most important thing is that we would really like to see a political decision regarding the possibility of Ukraine buying Gripen and building a modern air fleet. And today this possibility is open,” said Zelenskyy.
The head of state also added that Ukraine is very interested in serious joint production with the defense company Saab.
“We want to build drones. We are very interested. We are open to Sweden. We have excellent relations. And we have experience through the war. We have some of the best drones in the world today. We will scale up, and in partnership with Sweden,” Zelensky noted.
Ukraine will purchase a large batch of Gripen fightersAs reported by UNIAN, Ukraine intends to conclude a major agreement with Sweden on the purchase of 100-150 of the latest Gripen E aircraft. The Prime Minister of Sweden expects that Ukraine will be able to obtain this amount in full within 10-15 years.
So far, a protocol of intent has been signed between the governments. There is no concrete agreement with defined volumes, estimates and terms yet.
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