Sweden and Ukraine sign a letter of intent for more than 100 Gripen E fighters, with deliveries likely after the war, according to Swedish officials.

LET’S GO!!!

Kristersson stated that, based on current production capacity, the first Gripen deliveries could take place within three years of a finalized contract. He emphasized, however, that the letter of intent marks only the beginning of discussions and does not yet constitute a binding sale.

This will be likely an “after the war” thing, no matter, this is such a large amount of aircraft the strategic implications are major and precede the arrival of the physical aircraft.

Hopefully this makes Trump feel left out so he greenlights the AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopter sale.

Edit 1 United24 indicates actually Ukrainian pilots are already being trained on the Gripens and would start flying next year, can’t find any more on that yet to confirm though.

Edit 2 Yeah ok this timeline is likely faster than it appears, Ukrainian pilots started testing these Gripens in 2023.

https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/jonsson-ukrainska-piloter-har-testat-gripen

  • stoy@lemmy.zip
    23·
    6 days ago

    This is the E/F variant, we JUST got the first of the E variant in our own Airforce.

    I would not be surprised to hear that as we replace the current C/D variants they will be shipped to Ukraine.

    The C/D variants are still highly capable.

    Also a hundred planes, this deal probably means technology transfer and the establishment of a factory in Ukraine, even if they use Antonov to run the factory it will take years for it to be built and start building planes.

    When you consider that a lot of fighter procurement programs takes decades, this is amazingly quick.

    This is increadibly forward thinking, this means that when the war is over there is one huge decision less to make, you just have an action plan, and Sweden can prepare equipment and training so Ukraine can hit the ground running.

    • gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      11·
      6 days ago

      It’s honestly a great idea, and it’s simultaneously awesome to see European countries starting to diversify away from the US-centric military industrial complex.

    • assembly@lemmy.world
      7·
      6 days ago

      I see now that the quote does refer to the latest generation. That is great news if they can get the earlier variants sooner, it just seems like Ukraine needs jets now AND in three years time. If C/D variants can be sent now and in three years the new variants can be sent that is great news.