Why a Ukrainian peace deal wouldn’t impact Swedish Gripen-E delivery times
Sweden's defense minister told Breaking Defense that his government is "looking into" sending older Gripen models to Ukraine.
Sweden's defense minister told Breaking Defense that his government is "looking into" sending older Gripen models to Ukraine.
France's defense minister was in Stockholm today pitching Naval Group's offering.
The deal covers 15 Gripen E one-seater aircraft, along with two Gripen F two-seaters and a host of equipment and weapons, the Swedish company announced. Delivery of the jets will take place between 2026 and 2032.
“It's more challenging to defend than to attack,” when it comes to air defense, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told Breaking Defense.
“It is Russia that has the initiative in the war,” Swedish defense minister Pål Jonson stated, emphasizing Sweden’s urgent need to support Ukraine to ‘break that trend right now.”
Minister Pal Jonson told Breaking Defense that Europe must also have a say in peace negotiations, because the continent has supplied around 60 percent of all military aid to Ukraine over the last year alone and any settlement will have "important ramifications for security" across the region.
The package also includes anti-tank weapons for Moldova, seen as another country in Putin's crosshairs.
In one of the largest Swedish weapons deals in the post-Cold War era, the government has announced a $1.97 billion contract on purchasing 44 new Leopard 2 A8 tanks and upgrading its 66 existing older Leopard 2 tanks.
“This will be produced in Ukraine by the Ukrainian defense industry. It will be financed by Sweden," Swedish defense minister Pål Jonson said of the long-range weapons.
“Aerospace cooperation is important to both Sweden and Brazil. The new letter of intent provides a basis for us to further deepen this cooperation,” Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson said in a statement.
Sweden has signed up with five other European nations to develop a long-range strike missile, a move that Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson told Breaking Defense will fill a crucial security gap for his nation.
Pål Jonson said if a "concrete proposal" was presented for allied countries to send personnel, Sweden would "take it into review."