Ukraine's Zelenskiy asks Sweden for Gripen jets in first visit since Russian invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's recent visit to Sweden, his first since the Russian invasion in February 2022, has spurred discussions between the two countries about the potential acquisition of Gripen jets to enhance Ukraine's air defenses. After meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Zelenskiy emphasized that these talks were in their early stages. This move follows the approval by the United States for Denmark and the Netherlands to send F-16 fighters to Ukraine.

Zelenskiy confirmed that the discussions with Sweden focused on the possibility of obtaining Swedish Gripens, and this topic would remain central to his meetings with other Swedish officials. Earlier, in June, the Swedish government had offered Ukrainian pilots the opportunity to test Saab-made Gripen fighter jets. However, Sweden had expressed the need to allocate its aircraft for the defense of its own territory.

Zelenskiy noted that Ukrainian pilots had already commenced training on the Gripen planes. While Kristersson did not directly mention the Gripen in his statements, he strongly condemned a recent Russian missile attack on Chernihiv, Ukraine, and expressed support for Ukraine's struggles.

During the visit, Ukraine and Sweden also inked an agreement for Ukraine to begin manufacturing Sweden's CV90 combat vehicle. Zelenskiy's itinerary also included meetings with Sweden's parliamentary speaker, the supreme commander of the Swedish armed forces, and the leaders of major Swedish political parties.

Sweden has been aiding Ukraine's war efforts by supplying weapons such as tanks, anti-aircraft systems, and armored Type 90 infantry fighting vehicles. The Swedish Defense Minister, Pal Jonson, announced plans for a new $313.5 million military support package for Ukraine, mainly consisting of ammunition and spare parts for previously supplied weapon systems. This package marks Sweden's 13th assistance package to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict, bringing the total value of Swedish aid to Ukraine to $1.8 billion.