Sweden’s ex-PM Andersson urges government to send Gripen fighters to Ukraine

She said this at a press conference on August 24, Reuters reports.

"We can't let Russia win. Jas Gripen would make a big difference to Ukraine," Magdalena Andersson said. 

"For Ukraine's offensive to succeed, its air force must be strengthened," she added. 

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a fourth-generation Swedish multi-role fighter capable of firing air-to-air, air-to-surface missiles and aircraft bombs. It has a combat range of up to 700 km.

• In May, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk met with Swedish Foreign Minister Jan Knutsson in Sweden and called for the transfer of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

• On August 19, during a visit to Sweden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that test flights on Gripen aircraft had begun with the participation of Ukrainian pilots. He discussed in detail with the Swedish leader the future steps for Ukraine to receive these aircraft. At the same time, Sweden stated that it would allow Ukrainian pilots to test the aircraft, but did not commit to any transfer.

• Ukraine considers Gripen fighters for enhanced air defense

• Ukraine will have a variety of fighter jets: F-16 Falcon will operate alongside Gripen. Is it a huge problem?