He was on site outside Uppsala when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson presented the agreement.
For Ukraine, the Gripen plane is now seen as an incredibly important asset in the war against Russia. For the defense group Saab, the purchase of 20 fighter jets means a multi-billion dollar deal. This is significant as several potential deals have fallen through in recent years. Finland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic are some of the countries that ultimately chose not to buy the Swedish option.
High hopes
Ukraine also hopes to buy a total of 150 Gripen E planes. One of the challenges, however, is the production rate. Last autumn, Saab CEO Micael Johansson told TT that the rate was 20 to 30 aircraft per year.
"We are now aiming for 30 rather than 20. There is greater interest in the market, so we need to pick up the pace, and that is entirely possible," he now believes.
In the case of Ukraine, however, it may be relevant that production takes place in Ukraine and not in Sweden, says Micael Johansson.
"We are of course working with Ukrainian industry so that they can maintain the plane, among other things. Over time, I wouldn't think it's inconceivable that Ukraine could become a partner that manufactures complete aircraft, but it will take time before we get there," he says.
Lift for the Stockholm Stock Exchange
The news meant a significant price increase for Saab's shares. On the Stockholm Stock Exchange, the shares rose by just over 7 percent, bringing them back into the black since the beginning of the year. At the same time, the shares have risen by almost 300 percent over the past three years.
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