- Major UK investment to help deliver full squadron of Swedish
Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine as Prime Minister visits
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.
- Aircraft to help Ukraine defend against relentless
Russian attacks and modernise Ukrainian Air Force.
- Boost for UK defence industry with investment supporting
5,000 high-skilled jobs.
Prime Minister has today announced that the
UK is investing 300 million to help deliver advanced
Swedish Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, strengthening
Ukraine's ability to defend its skies from Russian attacks, while
supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK.
From Saab UK in Fareham to Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, the UK
defence industry continues to play a vital role supporting
Ukraine. The construction of Gripen aircraft will support
5,000 highly skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based
companies which supply the global Gripen programme.
The funding will help Ukraine field a squadron of 16 Gripen E
fighter jets by 2029. The package also includes pilot and
engineer training, simulators, spare parts and other
equipment needed to get the aircraft to the
frontline.
Gripen jets capable of air-to-air combat, conducting strikes on
ground targets, and reconnaissance missions will help Ukraine
build a modern air force, capable of defending against relentless
Russian attacks.
Prime Minister said:
Over the past two years, I have visited Ukraine four times and
seen first-hand the devastation Russia has inflicted, the rubble
and destruction left behind, the constant threat of drone
attacks, and the harrowing stories of those whose lives have been
torn apart by this war.
That is why the UK's support will never waver. Today's investment
will help put advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies,
strengthening their ability to defend their country while
supporting thousands of skilled jobs here at home.
From British engineers to Ukrainian pilots, this is our
partnership in action, building Ukraine's long-term security,
strengthening Britain's defence industry, and showing Putin that
we are not going anywhere.
Defence Secretary MBE MP said:
"I'm proud of how our nation has supported Ukraine's courageous
resistance, and the vital role our British businesses have played
to ensure Ukrainian Armed Forces can fight now and deter in the
future.
"These fighter jets will help give Ukraine the air power needed
to deter Putin, and this investment supports thousands of good
jobs across our nation."
This investment comes as the Prime Minister vows the UK will
continue to support Ukraine's forces in the fight against Russia
with a wide range of military kit. The announcement builds on the
Prime Minister's commitment to deliver 150,000 drones and
thousands of air defence missiles to Ukraine this year.
Gripen jets have low maintenance requirements and can
be operated by small ground crews, making them
well-suited to Ukraine's operational
requirements.
Gripen aircraft are highly interoperable with NATO
forces and have previously operated alongside
UK aircraft. Last summer, Swedish Gripens deployed alongside
the Royal Air Force in Poland as part of NATO's air policing
mission.
The UK is providing £3 billion in military support to Ukraine
this year and continues to lead international efforts, including
through the co-leadership of the Ukraine Defence
Contact Group, to equip Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to
defend itself and secure a lasting peace.
