Not only F-16 fighter jets, but also Swedish Gripen fighters, which have already been tested by Ukrainian pilots, Ukraine may receive from its allies.
This was reported by the Speaker of the Air Force, Yuriy Ignat.
According to him, the allies are considering the transfer of Swedish Gripen fighter jets in addition to F-16s. Ignat added that Sweden can provide Ukraine with the number of airplanes she currently has.
"The main combat aircraft will be the F-16 ... We are not talking about the number (of Gripen - ed.). But the main combat aircraft is still the F-16. And if it is decided about the Gripen, it will be a good option for us" - Ignat continued on the air of the TV marathon.
According to the Speaker, the Swedish authorities are now considering the possibility of modifying the Gripen fighters, which will be used by its air force. Therefore, there is a possibility that Ukraine may receive the upgraded combat aircraft. Ignat separately added that Ukrainian pilots have already tested the Gripen during the official visit of the command.
He emphasized that these were not pilot training sessions. Military training will only commence after a decision is announced regarding the transfer of Gripen aircraft, as consultations are still ongoing.
"During the first visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Head of the Air Force left specialists there, so that they could explore the possibility of providing Ukraine with these aircraft and made certain training flights on these jets to understand how it works and give a reference complete - can or can't we get this equipment", - summarized Ignat.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is Sweden's fourth-generation multirole fighter, available in several modifications. The maximum speed at high altitude is 2,200 km/h and the combat radius reaches 800 kilometers. The fighters are equipped with cannon, missile and bomb armament. Combat aircraft can carry out strikes with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
Earlier we reported on where Ukrainian pilots will be trained on F-16 jets.