Sweden and Ukraine have announced they have signed a letter of intent to establish a new defense technology center in Ukraine, aimed at jointly developing advanced battlefield systems, as the war with Russia continues.
"This will strengthen our joint ability to develop and produce new battlefield technologies," Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonsson said at a joint press conference on Thursday.
The initiative will involve Swedish personnel working directly in Ukraine, combining Swedish weapons expertise with Ukrainian battlefield experience, he added.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, standing next to Johnson, said the two countries already have "many agreements, or even contracts between Swedish and Ukrainian companies," although he declined to name them, citing security concerns.
The partners aim to launch cooperation "as soon as possible," Shmyhal said.
The announcement follows a previous letter of intent signed in October on aviation cooperation, a deal that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said could eventually see Ukraine receive up to 150 Swedish-made Gripen E fighter jets.
Johnson confirmed that both sides had continued discussions on Gripen deliveries and agreed to set up a joint working group to move the process forward.
Shmyhal said four financing options were under consideration: the use of frozen Russian assets, contributions from the Swedish government, fundraising from European partners, and support through international organizations.
He added that Ukrainian pilots and mechanics were ready to travel immediately to Sweden for training on Gripen systems.
While Kiev hopes to purchase modern Gripen Es in the future, Shmyhal called on Stockholm to transfer older models next year "to directly protect our skies." /Telegraph/
