Fedorov, who visited Gripen manufacturer Saab and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) in Stockholm on Thursday, says that the Swedish planes, with their missiles and range, can become a strong weapon in the war. They can strengthen the protection of Ukrainian soldiers at the front and increase the ability to defend against Russian glide bombs, for example.
Ukraine is negotiating with Sweden and Saab to purchase up to 150 Gripen aircraft. A letter of intent was signed in October.
Financing has been a problem, but with Hungary finally releasing its veto against starting to pay out the EU's €90 billion in loans to Ukraine, a solution may be in the works. Ukraine hopes, if all goes well, to have access to Gripen models C and D as soon as possible, even though the negotiations primarily concern the E model.
Zelenskyy has the last word
Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, Minister of Defense since January this year and before that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs from 2019, says that it is President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who has the final say on whether or not to contract with Saab, and on what terms it should happen and how payment should be arranged.
"But we see the light at the end of the tunnel. Everything feels good," says Fedorov, returning to the fact that Gripen could be something that changes the game plan in war.
He believes news of a deal could come within a few months.
Sweden hopes
Saab CEO Micael Johansson has, in an interview with SVT, expressed hopes that a deal can be completed within the same time frame.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson is hopeful and says that the Swedish and Ukrainian authorities have worked hard on preparations for a deal.
"What I can say is that the negotiations have been in an intensive phase in recent months. They are taking place in a constructive spirit and a lot of progress has been made," says Jonson.
He emphasizes that financing opportunities look much better since Hungary has released its veto against the EU loan to Ukraine.
Jonson notes that the negotiations are primarily about the Gripen E model.
"We are having discussions about Gripen E but also about C and D, then we will come back if and when we reach the goal," says Pål Jonson.
Corrected: An earlier version stated the wrong location for Defense Minister Fedorov's visit.
