Ukrainian pilots will be able to test-fly Swedish-made Gripen jets – defense minister

Ukrainian pilots will be able to undergo training on the Swedish-made Jas 39 Gripen fighter aircraft, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson has said.

That's according to Sweden Postsen, Ukrinform reports.

"This gives Ukraine a basis for future decisions to equip its defense. They invest in strengthening their ability in the long term," Jonson told TV4.

According to him, several experienced Ukrainian pilots will be able to undergo training on simulators and make test flights on the Jas 39 Gripen.

The place and time of the training and other details will remain confidential, the report said.

At the same time, Jonson said that the use of the Jas 39 Gripen in the war in Ukraine is not relevant, and the jets are needed for Sweden's own defense needs.

"Sweden needs the planes for our own national defense. At the moment, it is not relevant to lend any planes to Ukraine," he said.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, in his speech in the Swedish parliament called on MPs to assist in the transfer of weapons to Ukraine, particularly the Gripen aircraft.

On Thursday, May 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson.