Sweden and Ukraine Continue Dialogue on Gripen Fighter Jet Deliveries

A Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet took part in NATO exercises as part of the NATO Air Policing Mission in the sovereign airspace of Alliance member countries on July 4, 2023. Getty Images/JOHN THYS

According to the Swedish Ministry of Defense, there remains a “good and deep dialogue” between Ukraine and Sweden regarding possible deliveries of Gripen fighters, and work on this issue continues. This stance was voiced by the press secretary for the Minister of Defense Johan Yelmstrand in a written comment for SVT and Expressen.

In an interview with the BBC, Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister and Lieutenant General Ivan Gavriluk stated that Kyiv expects additional Gripen deliveries from Sweden, as well as from France and the United States, but did not specify their quantity.

Let’s wait until you see them in the air over Ukraine, then you’ll understand

Swedish media reached out to the Ministry of Defense for comment. The press secretary Yelmstrand said that discussions between Ukraine and Sweden regarding Gripen deliveries are ongoing, adding that “the work is still ongoing, and we have no new information on this matter”.

The work is still ongoing, and we have no new information on this matter

He also noted that Ukraine is interested in receiving the C/D models and in purchasing the new Gripen E.

between Ukraine and Sweden there is a “good and deep dialogue”

The official position of the Swedish Ministry of Defense indicates a commitment to supporting transparent and constructive discussions about further defense cooperation and the delivery of fighter aircraft, but at this time no specific details of any agreements have been disclosed.