Ukraine continues negotiations with Sweden for the transfer of Gripen fighter jets, according to Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the President’s Office. This statement contradicts earlier reports suggesting Ukraine had declined the offer.
Zhovkva emphasized that President Zelenskyy consistently raises this issue with Swedish leadership, as before Sweden’s NATO membership, as now after the country has finalized its accession.
“I have never heard of Ukrainians refusing to buy Gripen fighter jets. On the contrary, this is a topic that my president constantly raises with the Swedish leadership,” Zhovkva said, adding, “These fighters are as good as F-16s, and we are moving in this direction.”
Earlier, the aviation chief Ukraine’s Air Force, General Serhii Holubtsov, said the Ukrainian infrastructure is ready to accommodate Swedish Gripen fighter jets, as those designed to operate from ordinary roads, eliminating the need for specialized takeoff and landing surfaces.
Previously, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström confirmed Sweden’s openness to supplying Gripens to Kyiv. He clarified that Sweden has not yet provided fighters to Ukraine, as Ukraine concluded it would be too complex to implement two fighter systems – F-16 and Gripen – simultaneously.
Last year, Ukraine initiated discussions with Sweden about potentially acquiring Saab-manufactured Gripen jets. In May 2024, Sweden announced a pause in plans to send Gripens to Ukraine to prioritize the implementation of F-16s.
Related:
- Sweden’s ASC 890 aircraft to boost Ukraine’s defense against Russian targets
- Ukraine ready for Swedish Gripens: infrastructure in place, says aviation chief
- Sweden does not rule out providing Gripen jets to Ukraine in future, foreign minister says in Davos
- Radio Sweden: Ukrainian pilots test-flew Gripen fighter jets
- Air Force: F-16 to become Ukraine’s main combat aircraft, Gripen may become additional option
