Ukraine and Sweden are discussing the potential supply of Gripen fighter jets to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to the website of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
The fighter jets were discussed during a meeting between Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, his deputy Ivan Havrylyuk, and Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces General Micael Bydén.
The parties also discussed joint work in the field of innovation, combat experience, as well as military assistance and defence issues in general.
According to Havrylyuk, "fruitful bilateral work is underway to provide us with Gripen aircraft," but there are "certain issues related to NATO". He expressed hope that "by working together we will be able to get these aircraft".
Bydén, who headed the Swedish delegation, noted that the issue of the fighter jets being delivered to Ukraine is being discussed at both the political and military operational levels.
"I know that the dialogue between our countries is ongoing. So we are waiting for political decisions," the Swedish general said.
In the spring, the Swedish Ministry of Defence announced that Ukrainian pilots would have the opportunity to practice flying the Jas 39 Gripen fighter jet. Ukrainians will also be able to train on simulators.
In August 2023, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson that the parties "discussed future steps "discussed future steps to broach the issue of receiving Swedish Gripens".
Soon after, it became known that the Swedish government was to instruct the country's armed forces to study the conditions for sending Gripens to Ukraine.