Main new Swedish fighter jet deal to strengthen Ukraine and enhance British jobs

Ukraine’s defence in opposition to Russian aggression can be strengthened by means of a serious new fighter jet deal, with important components of the plane to be inbuilt Britain, supporting over 5000 UK jobs.   

The deal is about to unlock Ukraine’s ambitions to construct a powerful air pressure, interoperable with NATO Allies, and can see 16 Swedish Gripen plane urgently gifted to Ukraine.  

Ukraine can even be buying 20 new Gripen plane by means of an EU assist mortgage, guaranteeing their future capability.  

The deal will give Ukrainian forces trendy, agile and extremely succesful multirole air fight platforms to battle again in opposition to Russia’s unlawful invasion. The plane will considerably strengthen Ukraine’s air energy and bolster NATO provide chains and resilience throughout the Alliance.  

The Gripen is a collaboration between the UK, Sweden and the US. Companies throughout the UK provide essential parts together with the radar and touchdown gear, with over 30% of every plane manufactured within the UK. At least 50 British-based firms, from Saab UK in Fareham to Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, are set to be concerned within the deal, supporting over 5000 UK jobs.  

The UK continues to play a number one position in worldwide assist for Ukraine with coaching for Ukrainian Armed Forces, experience sharing and billions of kilos per 12 months of army tools assist together with 120,000 drones for the nation this 12 months. Combined army assist from the UK and Sweden since Russia’s unlawful full-scale invasion in February 2022 now stands at £11.4 billion.  

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated:

This deal exhibits what British business can obtain on the world stage – supporting 1000’s of jobs from Yeovil to Edinburgh whereas serving to to ship the air energy Ukraine must defend itself in opposition to Russia’s unlawful invasion. 

By standing with our allies and backing Ukraine, we’re securing actual advantages for British staff and companies. This is our worldwide partnerships working for Britain.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP stated:

As the fierce resistance of the Ukrainians continues, and as Russian aggression grows, the UK won’t waver. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and our NATO Allies like Sweden, bringing the mixed energy of our industries to bear to assist the battle in opposition to Putin’s unlawful conflict.   

This deal is each an enormous enhance for Ukraine’s air energy and a present of confidence in our world-leading UK defence business, supporting 1000’s of fine British jobs right here at dwelling. This is the UK stepping up as one for Ukraine: our authorities, our army and our business.

The UK and Sweden share a powerful defence and safety partnership, constructed on JEF and NATO membership and a shared dedication to safety within the Baltic Sea area and the High North. Last summer time a squadron of Swedish Gripens deployed to Poland alongside the Royal Air Force to conduct NATO air policing.  

The UK and Sweden have a powerful observe file of commercial collaboration in defence, demonstrated by Gripen export successes in Colombia and Thailand. Saab is investing £100 million in its Fareham web site within the UK, whereas BAE Systems has a long-standing presence in Sweden by means of BAE Bofors and BAE Hägglunds – serving to drive the subsequent technology of defence and maritime know-how, combining the very best of Swedish and British innovation.