Sweden may supply Gripen fighters to Ukraine, although it previously refused

The Swedish government was close to deciding to transfer Gripen fighters to Ukraine. Kyiv became interested in this type of aviation because it is relatively cheaper and undemanding to runways. Although Ukrainian pilots are trained on the planes, Stockholm has previously refused to hand over the fighters because the country itself needs them.

When will Ukraine receive Gripen?

The Swedish government is preparing to transfer Gripen fighters to Ukraine in the future. The decisions of Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands to donate F-16 fighters contributed to the discussion on military aid in Sweden.

However, the final transfer of the planes may take up to a year because the pilots must undergo training.

Previously, Ukraine asked for Gripen fighters because they are relatively cheaper and can operate in worse conditions.

What is known about the Gripen gearbox

On October 6, the Swedish government announced the allocation of the 14th military aid package to Ukraine. Subsequently, Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson said that the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defense Munitions Authority were instructed to investigate the possibility of transferring or exporting Gripen fighters to Ukraine.

In August, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson clarified that Sweden could not share Gripen fighters with Ukraine.

"Sweden is a geographically large country, we have to defend ourselves, and we are not in NATO yet"

Kristersson said.

“It's a balancing act between what we can share with them and what we have to have ourselves. Now we are part of the F-16 coalition, where we are working with 14 countries to ensure Ukraine's airworthiness."

Earlier, Ukrainian pilots began testing Swedish Gripen aircraft.

Familiarization training for pilots was included in the military aid package for Ukraine announced by the Swedish government in June.