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| Sweden Provides Military Assistance to Ukraine Including Gripen Fighter Jet Training |
Stockholm - Sweden has allocated a budget of 2.2 billion SEK ($200 million) as a military support package to be provided to Ukraine. This aid package includes training on Saab Gripen fighter jets.
Sweden said Russia's invasion of Ukraine risks adding to existing global economic and supply challenges. “We may be heading into a period where geopolitics will become a routine part of the boardroom,” read a statement issued by Stockholm. This latest military support package is the fourteenth support package issued by Sweden. The aid package includes 155 mm artillery shells, designed to complement Western artillery systems.
Additionally, there is a spare parts and ammunition package for Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90) to strengthen Ukraine's armored capabilities. There is also infantry equipment, which includes body armor, assault rifles, all-terrain vehicles, stretchers, night vision scopes and winter gear. Then audio, video and data satellite communications equipment to meet long-distance communications needs, and other advanced military equipment.
Regarding training assistance for the Saab Gripen fighter aircraft, the Swedish Government has previously assigned the Swedish Air Force to carry out an analysis of the potential integration of this fighter aircraft for Ukrainian forces. This step depends on Sweden's membership in NATO, where Sweden is still awaiting approval for ratification from several other NATO member countries.
The Gripen C/D fighter aircraft was developed by the Swedish company Saab. This aircraft is capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions. The invasion of Ukraine was carried out by Russia in February 2022. Until now the war between Moscow troops and Kyiv troops is still ongoing.