Sweden has received a request from the Ukrainian side to provide Gripen fighter jets of its own production, but so far there are limitations associated with such assistance.
Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson said this on Wednesday in Brussels before the meeting of NATO defense ministers, answering questions from "European Truth".
"Yes. Of course, we know (about Ukraine's request), President Zelenskyy also asked for it. When it comes to Gripen, we are currently facing restrictions due to the fact that these aircraft are very important for maintaining our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Therefore, it will be a serious obstacle in terms of resources for our national defense," he said.
The minister clarified that the priority for Stockholm now is to strengthen Ukraine's air defense: "Yesterday I had the opportunity to discuss this with the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Reznikov. We are also working with other countries to strengthen support in terms of air defense."
At the same time, Jonson emphasized that Sweden, which has already provided military aid worth about one billion euros, is ready to increase it.
"We are significantly increasing our support to Ukraine. We will start transferring and training the Ukrainian military on more than 50 CV-90 combat vehicles next week. We are providing various air defense equipment, winter clothing, and we are determined to increase our support to Ukraine," he added.
