Sweden and Ukraine have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in defence innovation. In conjunction with this, Sweden also confirmed that a delivery of the Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine is possible according to the Ukrainian timeline.
The defence ministers Pål Jonson and Denys Shmyhal signed a memorandum of understanding that includes the establishment of a Swedish-Ukrainian defence innovation hub in Kyiv. The aim is to support both countries' defence innovation landscapes, enable the exchange of innovative solutions and experiences, and promote technical collaboration between Swedish research and development actors and Ukrainian battlefield experiences.
– By combining Sweden's industrial and technological strengths with Ukraine's combat experience, we can create new military capabilities. This cooperation will strengthen our Armed Forces. It is an investment in peace and security, says Defence Minister Pål Jonson in a press release from Sweden's Ministry of Defence.
The memorandum includes eight areas of cooperation, including industrial scaling, joint research and development efforts, and the export of proven solutions to other allies. According to a press release from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence, the document creates new opportunities to attract Swedish investments to Ukraine's defence industry and facilitates integration into Europe's industrial and technological ecosystem.
Alongside the innovation cooperation, the ministers discussed a possible delivery of the Gripen E. In a statement on X, Pål Jonson confirms that it is feasible to deliver the Gripen E according to Ukraine's wishes, including the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians. A joint working group with representatives from both countries' air forces and defence industries has been established to advance the process.
During a press conference with the defence ministers, Denys Shmyhal expressed hope that Sweden will donate its own Gripen C as early as next year. Furthermore, he envisions four different ways to finance the Gripen E purchase: frozen Russian assets, a donation from Sweden, joint contributions from Europe, or loans from international financial institutions.
The Ukrainian state council also met with the leadership of Saab and discussed technical cooperation regarding the Gripen and other defence systems. In a separate press release from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, it is stated that the delivery of the Gripen is part of Ukraine's roadmap for developing air capabilities according to NATO standards.
– Modern Gripen aircraft will significantly strengthen Ukraine's air force. We continue to work to expedite the transfer and integration so that the Gripen can defend Ukrainian airspace as early as next year, says Shmyhal.