Sweden will “try to accommodate” instructing Ukrainian pilots on Gripen fighter jets if Ukraine makes the request, Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson told CNN.
“We are eager to support Ukraine in all ways possible, and if they want their pilots to evaluate Gripen, we will try to accommodate that, although some decision remains on both sides,” he said, responding to a question about a May 25 report from Swedish media that said Ukrainian pilots will be trained on the jets.
He mentioned that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry had sought a “restricted operational assessment” of the Swedish Gripen fighter jet, and they are presently working to fulfill the requested criteria.
Jonson, however, clarified to CNN that, currently, Stockholm has no plans to supply Ukraine with Gripen fighter aircraft “at this stage.”
Read also:
- Swedish MP calls to allow selling SAAB JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine
- Parliament of Sweden approves providing Ukraine with artillery systems Archer and tanks Leopard 2
- Sweden to send Ukraine 10 Leopard 2 tanks, Spain four more, Norway with US two NASAMS systems – Ramstein-10 results (updated)
- Sweden to supply Archer artillery systems, NLAWs, and 50 Strf90 combat vehicles to Ukraine
