A JAS-39C Gripen aircraft during the International Air Tattoo military air show in Fairford, United Kingdom, on July 21, 2019.
Getty Images/Matthew Horwood
Sweden’s statement about readiness to ramp up military aid to Ukraine came in the context of European support and upcoming discussions within the framework of the PURL program and joint aviation initiatives. Those words were spoken ahead of the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on October 15, 2025.
“Sweden is ready to do more. We have prepared a second package of military aid together with Norway and Denmark. Sweden has allocated 250 million euros for this, and we are ready for further packages”
– Paul Johnson
Plans for radar reconnaissance and the Gripen
Johnson stressed that initially Stockholm plans to provide Ukraine with radar-reconnaissance aircraft and an airborne early warning system, and later focus on strengthening defensive capabilities through Gripen fighters.
“We also do not rule out the possibility of (transferring to Ukraine) Gripen aircraft. We are in dialogue with the Ukrainian side, which shows strong interest in them”
– Paul Johnson
According to the official, Stockholm plans to provide Ukraine with radar-reconnaissance aircraft and airspace-control capabilities, allowing more effective coordination of F-16s, and later move to a more active use of Gripen. He also noted that controlling three types of aircraft (F-16, Mirage, and Gripen) will pose a significant challenge for Ukraine, but the existing interaction with Western aircraft has increased the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense system.
As early as March 2025, the defense ministry stated that the delivery to Ukraine of Sweden’s long-range radar-detection and control aircraft ASC 890, which was discussed last May, is on track, and the delivery timelines depend on the preparation of the corresponding F-16 modifications.