Ukrainian and Swedish officials discussed upgrading Ukraine’s Soviet-era aircraft fleet with modern avionics recently.
The upgrades would include integration of advanced radars, defensive equipment, and electronic warfare countermeasure systems on the Ukrainian aircraft.
The upgrades were part of a broader discussion to enhance Ukraine’s aviation capabilities, including a potential collaboration between the Ukrainian and Swedish defense industries.
Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense for Aviation Development, Oleksandr Kozenko, represented his country in the talks while the Swedish delegation was led by Director for Ukraine Affairs at Saab, Thomas Lindén.
Swedish Jets for Ukraine
Also addressed was the potential transfer to Ukraine of Saab aircraft and their subsequent support.
“Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in this area will be mutually beneficial, as Ukraine will enhance the capabilities of its aircraft, while Sweden will gain insights from the combat experience gained through their deployment,” Kozenko said.
Ukraine initially rejected an offer of Swedish Gripen fighter jets to the country on the grounds of logistical hurdles stemming from operating and maintaining the aircraft along with the F-16.
However, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov later said that the potential transfer remains in discussions, along with the French Mirage and the Eurofighter.
