Sweden, Ukraine Advance Talks on Saab Gripen Fighter Jet Supply Deal
Progress and Prospects of the Gripen Fighter Jet Negotiations
Current Status of Negotiations
STOCKHOLM, May 7 (Reuters) - Talks between Sweden and Ukraine to strike a deal on Saab-made Gripen fighter jets are going well, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Thursday.
The countries last year signed a letter of intent that could see Sweden supply up to 150 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.
Statements from Officials
"Negotiations are ongoing and they're going well," Jonson told a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykhailo Fedorov in Stockholm.
Jonson told Reuters he did not rule out a deal this year.
Strategic Importance and Funding
Ukraine's Air Force Priorities
The planes are seen as a priority for Ukraine's post-war air force fleet but there have been question marks about the funding.
Financing the Deal
Fedorov said Ukraine had a plan for how to finance the deal and that the country could be ready to announce a deal soon, "maybe in a few months."
Role of Saab and European Union Support
Swedish defence group Saab's CEO told Swedish media in May that he hoped a deal could be signed this year after Hungary reversed its veto to a European Union 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom and Johan Ahlander, editing by Louise Rasmussen)
