September 21, 2023, 14:05

Not by F-16 alone – Yurii Ihnat told what combat aircraft options Ukraine is considering

Second in priority after the F-16, Ukraine is considering the Swedish Gripen fighter jet.

Yurii Ihnat, Spokesperson of the Air Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, made this announcement during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

“Commander of the Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk has been to various countries, including Sweden, where our attention was attracted by the Gripen aircraft. This up-to-date warplane is also promising not only the way it’s available today. Sweden’s SAAB has a good prospect of getting the next-generation aircraft, which this country will eventually transfer to. We also have to think about the future, not only the F-16, there are F-35 aircraft, respectively, and the more recent Gripen. But the Gripen is the second priority aircraft after the F-16 that Ukraine could get,” explained Ihnat.

He noted that Swedish aviation experts are currently contemplating the possibility of Ukrainian pilots receiving training on the Swedish Gripen, how long it will take them to master this aircraft, what are its capabilities, how it will be able to be put into service, and some other important issues.

“What is yet to be decided, there is a serious state decision to be taken. There are no statements made by the Swedish side about what is being transferred,” he said, adding that F-16 fighters will be the main combat aircraft in service with the Air Force.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news