In one of his Facebook posts, the Defense Minister of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov noted that Sweden is joining the IT coalition and is also increasing its support for Ukraine, including defense assistance. For instance, Rustem Umerov reminded that work is currently underway to transfer two airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft aircraft to Ukraine.
We are talking about two AWACS ASC-890 aircraft, also known as Saab 340, which were provided by Sweden to strengthen the Defense Forces of Ukraine as part of a defense assistance package on May 29 this year. This is a truly historic event. At the same time, the exact timing of the transfer of these aircraft to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not disclosed.
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"We also discussed with Mr. Jonson [Swedish Minister for Defense] the possibility of strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force and training one of our units," Umerov stated. While there are no specifics mentioned, it is likely that the transfer of Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine is being promoted.
It should be noted that as part of Sweden's 17th defense assistance package, announced in September this year for 400 million euros, half of this amount was allocated for the purchase of equipment for JAS 39C/D Gripen. It was also noted that the Swedish government will continue to work "to create conditions for the possible future delivery of JAS 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine."
Earlier Defense Express reported that Sweden had wanted to move from direct transfer to arms production in Ukraine.
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