Ukraine's President, Volodimir Zelenski, highlighted this Sunday the "historic reinforcement" that the acquisition of 16 Gripen fighter jets manufactured in Sweden represents for his Air Force.
"It is a historic reinforcement of our combat aviation and a key economic collaboration between Ukraine and Sweden in the field of security," Zelenski said in a telephone conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, according to the Ukrainian Presidency.
The Ukrainian leader explained that progress is already being made so that all the necessary infrastructure, as well as the training of crews and the operational deployment of these Swedish fighters, will be fully prepared by 2027, the date on which the first aircraft ceded by Stockholm are expected to arrive.
According to the agreement reached, the delivery of the 16 acquired Gripen E aircraft will not begin until early 2029, although Kyiv will already have another 16 Gripen C/D model fighters in 2027, which will be sent as part of Swedish military aid.
During the call, the president took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Kristersson for his "support and clear stance" in "Russia's war against Ukraine and against Ukrainians."
Likewise, Zelenski warned that Russia "is putting all its eggs in the basket of ballistic missile attacks, combined attacks, and propelled Shaheds" and therefore stressed the need to strengthen air defense and "deprive Russia of this capacity to prolong the war."