Swedish government approves a new aid package, analyzing the Gripen transfer

6 October, 2023 Strf90 IFV of the Ground Forces of Sweden. Photo credits: Swedish Army The Swedish government has approved additional budget amendments to form a new military aid package for Ukraine.

Such a statement appeared on the official website of the country's government. This is the 14th package of military assistance from Sweden, which will include spare parts for the transferred equipment, artillery shells, infantry equipment, communication systems, and 40-mm shells for Strv90 (CV90) infantry fighting vehicles. The value of this package is estimated at £199 million and is primarily intended to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with ammunition and spare parts.

Archer self-propelled howitzer.

Photo from the network

In addition, the Swedish government is seeking to improve cooperation to complement direct logistical assistance. It has also initiated the creation of a special group to analyze the possibility of transferring Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and their further maintenance. The Swedish Air Force is considering the possibility of transferring a number of Gripen fighter jets and conducting pilot training for this type of aircraft.

Currently, the Swedish Air Force has 94 Gripen aircraft: 70 of the C version and 24 of the D version. In total, the country has ordered 204 aircraft, of which:

  • 98 aircraft are in the Swedish Air Force;
  • 32 aircraft were utilized and dismantled;
  • 28 aircraft are leased in the Czech Republic and Hungary;
  • 12 aircraft were sold to Thailand;
  • 4 aircraft are used as a flying laboratory;
  • 4 aircraft were lost in the accident;
  • 2 aircraft were handed over to the museum.

Also, in order to save about 30 mothballed aircraft, the A/B version will become a platform for upgrading to the E/F version. In total, the country aims to maintain 60 E version aircraft in its air force.

JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet of the Swedish Air Force.

Photo from open sources

The announced package will also include assault rifles, body armor, night vision systems, stretchers, binoculars and winter gear. Moreover, the Swedish government plans to extend its stay in the UK-led Interflex operation to train Ukrainian military in demining. According to the plan, about 30,000 Ukrainian recruits are to be trained quarterly as part of this operation.

As Militarnyi previously reported, the Czech Republic is in talks with Sweden to train Ukrainian pilots on JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in the Czech Republic.

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