Ukraine has secured a major boost to its military capabilities with the announcement that Swedish defence equipment manufacturer Saab will supply 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft, worth approximately £1.8 billion. The contract, valued at around 24.6 billion Swedish crowns, was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following discussions with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
The agreement not only provides Ukraine with state-of-the-art fighter jets but also includes technical support for the advanced aircraft. However, a discrepancy exists regarding the expected delivery timeline, with President Zelenskyy stating that deliveries could commence as early as 2027, whereas Saab has indicated that their current schedule anticipates deliveries between 2029 and 2030.
The timing difference may reflect the complexities of defence manufacturing and the urgency of Ukraine's operational needs. As tensions on the ground escalate, with Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, warning of a potential new Russian offensive from the north, every additional fighter jet will bolster Ukraine's defences.
Denmark has also pledged a new military assistance package to Ukraine worth around £530 million, marking its 30th such package and underscoring international efforts to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression. The package includes significant allocations for 'the Danish model' to finance Ukrainian defence industry procurement, alongside additional funds for long-range artillery ammunition.
In southern Ukraine, the humanitarian impact of the conflict continues to be felt, with two people killed and at least 15 injured by Russian glide bombs in Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday. Regional governor Ivan Fedorov stated that Russian forces deployed seven bombs over a 90-minute period, which has become a frequent occurrence for the city.
Separately, police in Monaco and France are searching for a suspect connected to a parcel bomb incident that seriously wounded a Ukrainian-born millionaire, Vadym Yermolaiev, and two other individuals. While not directly linked to the conflict, the incident highlights the risk of violence and intimidation faced by those with alleged ties to Russia.