Sweden will not supply Gripen fighters to Ukraine – Swedish Prime Minister
He asserts they are vital for Sweden's own Air Force
Sweden has declined plans to provide Ukraine with fourth-generation Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, confirmed Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in an interview with Swedish TV channel TV4, as cited by the BBC.
He emphasised that Sweden needed these aircraft for its own defence.
During a recent visit to Sweden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his request for these jets.
"Sweden is a geographically very large country, we have to defend ourselves, we are not yet a member of NATO," the Prime Minister remarked. "We also have to strike a balance between what we can spare for them and what we must have ourselves. Now we are part of the so-called F-16 coalition, where we are partnering with 14 countries to ensure Ukraine's aviation capabilities."
Zelensky's visit saw in-depth discussions, including potential production of Swedish Stridsfordon 90 infantry combat vehicles in Ukraine.
Background. Zelensky previously reported that Ukrainian pilots were already training on the Gripen fighters, following an agreement earlier this year.
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