The head of the Swedish Foreign Ministry said that introducing two fighter systems – Gripen and F-16 – at the same time would be too difficult.
Sweden stopped the transfer of Gripen fighters to Ukraine, because Kyiv came to the conclusion that having two systems at the same time – both the F-16 and the Gripen – was “too much.”
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom told the Voice of America about this.
The Minister noted that Ukraine was given the opportunity to receive F-16 fighters, which are the largest in the NATO family. And more countries have the F-16 than the Gripen. So Billström explained why Sweden stopped the transfer of its fighters:
“This has nothing to do with the decision of the Swedish government. This decision was made because Ukraine has come to the conclusion that having two fighter systems at the same time – both the F-16 and the Gripen – is too much.”
The Swedish minister noted that we are talking about entire complex systems, that is, it is not just about getting planes and training pilots. Implementing two systems at the same time would be too difficult.
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“But that doesn't mean Sweden isn't open to continuing with Gripens fighters if and when the F-16 program is completed. Again, that's a matter for Ukraine, not the Swedish government,” Billström said.
Sweden decided to give Ukraine other capabilities, and it received ASC 890 surveillance systems. The military will be able to use these systems in coordination with the F-16. This will allow for better air combat, surveillance and control of air battles.
Recall that in June, the chief of aviation of the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Sergei Golubtsov, said that Ukraine already has the appropriate infrastructure to allow the adoption of Gripen fighters. However, F-16 fighters remain priority.
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