Why Ukraine declined Gripen fighter jets? Swedish Foreign Minister explains

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström clarified why Ukraine refused Gripen fighter jets.

He stated in an interview with the foreign media that Sweden did not provide Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine because Ukrainian officials determined that concurrently operating both Gripen and F-16 fighter jet systems would be overly complex, per Caliber.Az.

Billström clarified that Ukraine had opted for F-16 fighters, which are more widely used within NATO, prompting the decision.

He emphasized that managing two distinct fighter systems simultaneously, each with its own complexities beyond aircraft was deemed impractical.

Sweden, however, has supplied ASC 890 surveillance systems to Ukraine, which can be integrated effectively with F-16s to enhance capabilities in air combat and surveillance. Billström indicated that discussions regarding Gripen jets could resume after Ukraine has fully integrated the F-16s.