Sweden pledges military aid, Gripen fighter jets parts to Ukraine
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$443 million worth of military aid has been pledged to Ukraine by Sweden, marking the 17th military aid package to Kiev.
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A photo shows the Swedish Combat Vehicle 90 in an unknown location, as seen on BAE Systems website (BAE Systems via AP)
Sweden's government announced that it has pledged $443 million in military support to Ukraine, which will include assault vehicles and air defense systems.
The plan announced on Monday marks the 17th aid package pledged to Ukraine by the Swedish government, raising its total expenditure on supporting Kiev to around $4.46 billion.
Among the equipment and weapons to be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces are six CB90 naval assault crafts, man-portable air defense systems, shoulder-fired AT4 recoilless anti-tank guns, and ammunition for previously donated weaponry. Ukraine will also receive ammunition for the CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
However, nearly half of the package was allocated for the procurement of parts for the Swedish-developed JAS 38 Gripen fighter jet. This information is important, as Sweden has said that sending fighter jets to Ukraine is currently "not a viable option."
If the system is transferred to Ukraine at this point, it would clash with the introduction of pilots to the American-developed F-16 fighter jets. Hence, Ukraine has not yet made a request to acquire the jets for now.
In detail, Sweden said this package aims to focus on the production of weaponry and parts rather than their delivery to Ukraine.
The parts included in this package are valued at around $222 million.
"By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can – if the Swedish government decides so – be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine," the Swedish Defense Ministry said.
"We have been advised by the fighter jet coalition that right now it prefers to focus on the introduction of the F-16 into Ukraine," Defense Minister Pal Jonson told AFP.
Read more: Rising desertions, low morale plague Ukrainian troops: CNN
Billions worth of aid fuel pointless conflict
Stockholm had previously transferred an Archer mobile artillery system, 50 CV90 IFVs, and "around 10" German-developed Leopard 2 tanks, among other systems and equipment, to Ukraine.
Western nations have offered Kiev a wide range of military systems, ranging from shoulder-fired anti-tank systems to modern F-16 fighter jets. As the war with Russia extends, Western backers continue to expand the quality of systems delivered to Kiev, as well as the list of Russian assets that could be targeted with these systems.
With no substantial military objectives to be gained by Ukraine on the horizon, avoiding a political solution in favor of military gains has become pointless, yet aid packages continue to be pledged and delivered.
Read more: Ukraine should ban kids fleeing, must live hardship: Kiev politician
