Ukraine and Sweden discuss Gripen preparations and strengthening air defence
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Evgeniy Khmara held a telephone conversation with Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. The discussion focused on urgently strengthening Ukraine’s air defence, supplying interceptor missiles, and preparing to receive Gripen fighter aircraft.
It is now crucial to strengthen our ability to counter ballistic threats as quickly as possible. In particular, this concerns interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. Ukraine stands ready to work with partners on various supply mechanisms. Every delivery of interceptors and every opportunity to protect people and civilian and critical infrastructure matters to us.
He briefed his Swedish counterpart in detail on the consequences of the overnight russian strike and Ukraine’s critical needs for protecting its skies.
Patriot interceptors, IRIS-T missiles, and MANPADS for Ukraine
Ukraine has Patriot missiles under contract but needs interceptors immediately. That is why Ukraine is proposing that partners provide missiles from their existing stocks in exchange for future deliveries already planned for Ukraine.
The ministers also discussed ways to speed up deliveries of missiles for IRIS-T systems, as well as Ukraine’s requirement for Swedish man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) and associated ammunition.
Ukraine is interested in further deliveries of these capabilities to strengthen the defence of its skies.
Preparing to receive Gripen fighter aircraft
Gripen fighter aircraft were another important topic of discussion. Ukraine and Sweden are proceeding in line with the crew training plan.
Evgeniy Khmara noted that receiving the aircraft together with their weapons would significantly strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation and help counter russian aircraft that carry glide bombs and terrorise frontline cities.
The Minister of Defence of Ukraine thanked Sweden for its strong and consistent support for Ukraine.
