Copyright kyivpost
Ukraine is working to build a fleet of 250 modern fighter jets, including F-16s, Swedish Gripens, and French Rafales, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday The program is part of Ukraine’s long-term strategy to modernize its air force and strengthen national security. “We are holding parallel talks with Sweden, France and the United States. The overall goal is a fleet of 250 new aircraft. This is our future,” Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists, including RBC-Ukraine correspondent. Zelensky said Ukraine is negotiating three types of fighters. The selection of F-16s, Gripens, and Rafales is based on the experience of Ukrainian pilots and Russia’s military capabilities. The Swedish Gripen is a priority for Ukraine. Zelensky said the jets are cheaper to maintain, pilots can be trained on them in about six months, and they can even take off from roadways. The aircraft are compatible with most weapons currently used by Ukraine. Zelensky also announced a preliminary agreement with Sweden for 150 Gripens, including local production. “We agreed with Sweden that we will sign a contract, and Ukraine will have 150 new Gripens. This is a long road, but a very good option,” he said. On Oct. 22, Kyiv and Stockholm signed a letter of intent to sell 100-150 of the latest-generation Series E Gripen fighters to Ukraine over the next 10-15 years. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson hailed the planned deal as a “long-term” one, saying initial deliveries could start in roughly three years. Shortly after the two countries signed an agreement, reports emerged that Swedish arms maker Saab was considering opening a final assembly plant in Ukraine for its Gripen fighters. The Financial Times (FT), citing Saab CEO Micael Johansson, said the plant was eyeing production expansion in Brazil, and possibly in Canada and elsewhere in Europe – plus Ukraine – to cope with the high number of jets planned. “It is not so easy during a war, but it would be great to set up a capacity for at least final assembly and tests and maybe part production in Ukraine,” Johansson told the FT. Johansson said the planned deal marked a huge jump from current production numbers. Zelensky said adopting these new aviation platforms will allow Ukraine to defend its skies more effectively and integrate its defense industry with Western technology standards.
