Ukraine is preparing to start training pilots and technical personnel for the Swedish Gripen fighter jets, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denîs Shmihal announced after a discussion with his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson.
Gripen plane/PHOTO:X
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense in Kiev, the two officials discussed “in detail” the future transfer of Gripen aircraft, as well as the air defense package that Sweden is to provide to Ukraine.
“We are preparing to launch the training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel”declared Şmîhal, without specifying a concrete calendar for the start of the program.
The discussions are in the context of a memorandum signed in October by President Volodymyr Zelensky, which provides for the purchase, over 10-15 years, of more than 100 latest generation Gripen aircraft, variant E. The manufacturer Saab has previously indicated that it is considering opening a production unit in Ukraine, given the scale of the program.
During the conversation, Smîhal also informed the Swedish minister about the massive attack launched by Russia on Ukraine on Tuesday. According to him, the F-16s supplied by the United States managed to shoot down the “vast majority” of the 35 cruise missiles launched by the Russian forces.
The Ukrainian minister added that Stockholm is to announce, in the next period, a new package of support for the air defense of Ukraine.
“I emphasized Sweden's important contribution to strengthening our air capabilities. I am grateful for this support and we look forward to continued close cooperation in this area“, transmitted Şmîhal.
