President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson have signed the Letter of Intent Between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Sweden Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Air Capabilities.
“Today, we have the first document signed between our countries, paving the way for Ukraine to acquire a substantial fleet of Swedish-made fighter jets – Gripens. And these are great aircraft, strong aviation platforms capable of performing a wide range of missions. Everyone can see what threats they help counter,” said the Head of State.
Ukraine expects that the future contract will enable it to receive at least 100 such aircraft.
“This will help build a very strong Air Force in Ukraine, which will become part of the large family of fighter jets. This agreement is a clear mutual statement of intent and the beginning of a long journey for the next 10–15 years. There are long-term ambitions,” the Prime Minister of Sweden emphasized.
Ulf Kristersson noted that Sweden, together with Ukraine and other partners, will actively seek various opportunities for long-term financing of Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
The leaders agreed to work on achieving the first tangible results next year and to fill this framework agreement with real substance. Ukraine is ready to carry out everything quite swiftly – to train pilots, technical personnel, and set up the infrastructure.
In Linköping, the President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Sweden also met with Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of the Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB, which produces the Gripens, and its CEO, Micael Johansson.
The Head of State thanked Saab for supporting Ukraine’s defense potential. Ukrainian warriors are already using the company’s anti-tank weapons, air defense systems, and radars.
Our country counts on a strategic partnership with the company in developing a modern Air Force. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs the Gripens greatly, as they are easy to maintain, capable of performing a wide range of missions, and can operate from short runways.
The Head of State stressed that Ukraine is interested in developing joint defense production and localization in our country.
At the part of the Linköping airport belonging to Saab, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ulf Kristersson had the opportunity to see the company’s production facilities. They were shown the Gripen aircraft, briefed on weapon systems used by the Swedish Armed Forces – including anti-drone and reconnaissance systems – and introduced to simulators for pilot training. Company representatives gave a detailed presentation on the Gripens’ technical characteristics, capabilities, and operational effectiveness.
