Despite prior claims by Ukraine that they will get the Gripen from Sweden, this has been denied by the Swedish Prime Minister. Losses of the Ukrainian Air Force have mounted that in desperation, it has been demanding modern jets like the JAS Gripen or the F-16.
Sweden Not To Send Gripen Jets to Ukraine
According to the Swede Defense Minister Pol Jonson in a statement, last Sunday, which refutes the claim of the Kievan government that it would provide the air force with ultra-advanced Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, reported Azerbaycan 24.
Kyiv was intent on possessing these jets as Stockholm is one of its backers, allegedly expecting as much generosity as it gets from the US.
In Odessa, he attended a joint press conference with his opposite, Aleksey Reznikov. The press requested Pol Jonson to verify that Gripen jets would be given to combat the Russian Air Force.
The Defense officials state there are no such plans to send Ukraine any of its modern jets to add to its aging air fleet. He added that it should be apparent that none will be sent, despite it being a capable fighter, which several European Union nations have bought.
After the comment by the Stockholm representative, Reznikov had nothing else to say. In a recent October interview with Politico, he expressed hope that Kiev would eventually get Western state-of-the-art military hardware. Saying that its western backers will send it most modern fighters like the F-16, and F-15, the Swedish Defense Minister Gripens said it would not happen.
Stockholm officials announced their biggest assistance package for Kyiv for 3 billion SEK ($290 million) in mid-November, even though Stockholm had previously stated that shipments of Gripen jets were not imminent.
Body armor, light all-terrain jeeps, snow gear, air defense systems, and other aid is included in the measure.
In direct contravention of its lengthy policy of impartiality, Sweden and Finland decided to submit requests to participate in NATO after Moscow started its military campaign in Donbas in late February.
Ukraine Continues To Get Support
The US-led military coalition accepted the request, except Hungary and Turkey's choice on the issue has yet to be made, and the bids must still be authorized by all 30 members of the military bloc.
Some impediments prevent Kyiv from getting the Class-A jet due to the Swedes' process that will remain the same, even at the urgings of western allies. They will not compromise on giving weapons to any state in conflict.
They also stated that weapons exports might be permitted if there are compelling reasons regarding security or defense policy. Or the step would not conflict with Sweden's foreign policy as strictly applied, citing Press United.
Moscow has told the West it would be a mistake to give weapons to Kyiv. The same goes for providing any arms that can escalate the conflict. The Swedish Defense minister clarified that Ukraine would not get Gripens anytime soon.
