Ukraine is moving closer to a possible agreement to purchase the Swedish fighter jet Saab JAS Gripen. This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, during a visit to Stockholm on Thursday where he met with Sweden’s Minister of Defence, Pål Jonson.
Pål Jonson began the press conference by stating that Sweden has so far sent support to Ukraine worth over 100 billion SEK (a total of 128 billion according to the government’s website, editor’s note). At the same time, he emphasized that the intention was not to highlight Sweden, but to clarify that the country is currently the third largest provider of support to Ukraine.
– I am not saying this to boast, because I would much rather see us lower down the list. But I am saying it because we get back every krona, every euro or dollar that we contribute. That will be my main message today. It is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do, said Jonson.
The press conference also addressed the widely reported information that Sweden may be close to a deal in which as many as 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen jets could be sold to Ukraine.
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The purchase is said to be able to be financed through the extensive loan program established by the EU to support Ukraine, where ultimately EU taxpayers bear the risk for the loans in the hope that the money will eventually be repaid.
According to Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, discussions are ongoing with both the Swedish government and Saab regarding a possible deal. He said that Ukraine already has a plan for how the purchase will be financed and expressed hopes that a decision could come within the next several months.
– Our president believes that the Gripen can change the situation in the skies, said Fedorov.
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Furthermore, the Ukrainian Defence Minister clarified that a contract could very well be signed already this year.
Deepening Cooperation
The visit to Stockholm also concerned the broader military cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine. Fedorov thanked Sweden for its substantial support to Ukraine and specifically highlighted Swedish radar and air defense systems.
According to the Ukrainian Defence Minister, the country is now trying to build long-term partnerships where investments in Ukraine’s defense will also strengthen the EU’s security.
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During the meeting, topics discussed included air defense and protection against ballistic missiles, which remain a major threat to Ukraine.
Pål Jonson stated that the relationship between the countries is deepening and that Sweden is also gaining valuable experience from how Swedish weapons systems are used in the war.
– It is a partnership where Ukraine is helping Sweden.
Fedorov also stated that Ukraine has significantly increased its production of drones used to combat incoming air attacks. According to him, nearly 90 percent of incoming air threats are now stopped.
Russian Losses — but No Ukrainian Numbers
Furthermore, Mykhailo Fedorov claimed that around 35,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded during the month of April. However, he did not give any figure for how many Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded.
– The losses have been absolutely enormous, said Pål Jonson.
At the same time, Ukraine continues its attacks on Russian energy and fossil industries, which according to Ukraine constitute an important part of the financing of Russia’s warfare.
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Watch the press conference with Sweden’s and Ukraine’s Defence Ministers: