Ukraine hopes to begin Gripen pilot training this year – Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will discuss the possibility of beginning the training of Ukrainian pilots on Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets as early as this year.

The Ukrainian leader said this during a joint press briefing with the Swedish monarch in Lviv on Friday, Ukrinform reports.

"We are also grateful for the new program to strengthen the protection of our skies and our future modern air fleet of Swedish-made Gripen aircraft. We are very much counting on – and will discuss this today with His Majesty – that our pilots will begin training this year," he said.

Zelensky thanked Sweden for its support and expressed gratitude to Queen Silvia for backing humanitarian initiatives.

"Important programs such as Bring Kids Back UA – returning our Ukrainian children home. Her Majesty Queen Silvia is helping with this. She is in constant contact with the First Lady of Ukraine. We are also grateful for her support of the school meals program for children in Ukraine," Zelensky added.

As reported, Ukraine has agreements with international partners on the potential supply of 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets and 100 French Rafale aircraft.

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