Ukrainian President Selenskyj Seeks Gripen Fighter Jets During Visit to Sweden

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj, on a visit to Stockholm, discusses the acquisition of Gripen fighter jets with Swedish officials.

Selenskyj seeks to acquire fighter jets “Gripen”

During a visit to Stockholm, Ukrainian President Selenskyj came with more than just a request for tank manufacturing. He is still in search of fighter jets, though without success so far. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj can partially consider his visit to Sweden a success. The Swedish armored vehicle “CV90” is set to be produced in Ukraine in the future. This step has been under discussion for some time. Now, the Ukrainian President and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson jointly announced the outcome during a press conference.

“Let me be very clear, in terms of foreign and security policy, there is no task more important for my government than supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom and territorial independence. Ukraine is fighting for us, for all European democracies,” Kristersson said.

Further support packages for Ukraine

The two leaders met at the Harpsund country estate, located approximately 120 kilometers west of Stockholm. In his speech, Selenskyj expressed gratitude for the broad support Sweden has provided thus far. And it has indeed been significant: Sweden has already donated military equipment and ammunition worth approximately 1.4 billion euros to Ukraine. The Swedish defense industry has significantly expanded its production.

Additional support packages for Ukraine are already being prepared, Kristersson said, addressing Selenskyj: “Today, many of Sweden’s most modern weapon systems are already in use to support your country and your brave soldiers, to defend you. Please let me express my deep respect for you and the people of Ukraine and your relentless defense against the Russian aggressor.”

Selenskyj discusses fighter jets with Sweden

However, the Ukrainian President came with more than just a request for tank manufacturing. He is also still searching for fighter jets for his country. The Swedish defense company Saab produces the fighter jet “Gripen”. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and highly robust – it can even land on gravel runways. Selenskyj stated that the Gripen would be a good aircraft for Ukraine.

“We have discussed another excellent Swedish production family: Gripen – Sweden’s pride. I am confident that we could better defend our freedom with Gripen.” Furthermore, Ukrainian pilots have already started test flights with the Gripen. However, he did not receive a commitment for the delivery of such jets.

After the meetings with the Prime Minister and military representatives, Selenskyj and his wife were received by the Swedish king and queen, Carl Gustav and Silvia.