The Government of Sweden has instructed the Armed Forces to examine the possibility of sending Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the country must first become a member of NATO before it can afford to make such deliveries, said Defense Minister Pal Jonson.
Source. Reuters
"The government instructs the Swedish Armed Forces to thoroughly analyze the conditions for possible support of Ukraine with combat aircraft with the participation of the Defense Equipment Administration (FMV) and report on these conditions. The report should include, among other things, the impact on defense capabilities, the defense economy and other defense activities and planning," the Cabinet of Ministers said in a statement.
Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have already completed an orientation course on the JAS 39 Gripen under the auspices of the Swedish Armed Forces.
The military also needs to be informed about the terms of possible support within the international F-16 coalition, of which Sweden is a part.
The analysis of the Armed Forces' capabilities should be presented by November 6, Jonson promised. Sweden hopes to join the alliance by the end of the fall.
For now, Jonson announced, Sweden will give Ukraine a new military aid package worth 2.2 billion kronor ($199 million). It mainly consists of ammunition and spare parts for previously transferred systems. This new military aid package will be the 14th for Ukraine since the beginning of the war, bringing the total value of military aid from the Kingdom of Sweden to more than 22 billion kronor.