Ukraine planning to form fleet of 250 modern aircraft, Gripen prioritized
Ukraine aims to build a 250-aircraft modern fighter fleet, prioritizing Sweden's Gripen for low costs and quick pilot training, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters on Tuesday, news agency RBC-Ukraine reported.
Ukraine is currently holding parallel negotiations with Sweden, France and the U.S. on three types of combat aircraft. This involves F-16s, Swedish Gripens and French Rafales.
Zelenskyy called these three platforms the optimal choice for Ukraine "taking into account our pilots' experience and the enemy's capabilities."
The president emphasized that Sweden's Gripen is a priority for Ukraine, as its maintenance is the cheapest, and pilot training takes only about six months. Additionally, these aircraft can take off even from highways and are compatible with most weapon types Ukraine uses.
"As for the Gripen — everything hooks onto it. Probably almost everything Ukraine uses — missiles and other weapons — can all be attached there," Zelenskyy said.
He recalled preliminary agreements with Sweden on supplying and localizing production of 150 Gripen aircraft.
Earlier, the CEO of Swedish defense company Saab stated readiness to open a final assembly plant in Ukraine under a Gripen deal.
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