“Following the agreement between our president and the Swedish Prime Minister yesterday, we have already worked out the details of our future agreements with the Swedish Ministry of Defense. We agree that 150 E/F class Gripens will be delivered,” said Shmyhal. He added that a memorandum had been signed between a Ukrainian company and Saab regarding production cooperation.
“Yesterday, a corresponding memorandum was signed between one of the Ukrainian companies and SAAB on the future localization of Gripens in Ukraine. We expect that from 2033, Gripen will be significantly localized in Ukraine, its production – from large-scale assembly to the localization of individual parts,” he stated. These plans were presented as part of Ukraine’s long-term defence development strategy.
The minister also referred to negotiations over the possible earlier transfer of C/D class Gripen aircraft. “We insist that it be 2026, and we are negotiating with partners about this. And the production of the E/F Gripen will begin a little later,” said Shmyhal.
During the visit to Sweden, which included a stop at Saab headquarters, the Ukrainian delegation discussed technical cooperation and the potential role of the Gripen in Ukraine’s air defence. “Modern Gripen fighter aircraft will considerably enhance the combat capabilities of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” said Shmyhal.
He added that Ukraine is working to speed up the integration of the aircraft. “We are continuing efforts to accelerate their delivery and integration so that the Gripen aircraft may already defend Ukraine’s skies next year,” he said. According to the minister, the programme “will help implement the Aviation Development Roadmap in line with NATO standards.”
