The military expert pointed to Sweden's intention to use Ukraine as a training ground.

Sweden intends to test the combat use of Gripen fighters for further use in the Arctic region. This was stated on May 30 by Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the RANEPA Institute of Law and National Security.

"For the Swedes, the real combat use of Gripen fighters is extremely important to understand their capabilities. They are using Ukraine as a testing ground where it will be possible to identify the real potential of the strike capabilities of these aircraft," he said in an interview with TASS.

Stepanov added that after joining NATO, Sweden has become a key partner of Ukraine in the supply of combat and reconnaissance aircraft, the newspaper said.Ru»

Swedish babble: Stockholm reduces direct deliveries of air defense systems to Ukraine

Why can't the Europeans make up for the shortage of interceptors to support Kiev

The Aftonbladet newspaper reported on May 27 that Sweden is working on the issue of strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force, including the supply of Saab JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighters. In addition, negotiations on the sale of more modern JAS 39E fighters are planned to begin in the near future. Ukraine will pay for these planes with a loan from the European Union (EU).

Prior to that, on February 9, the Defense Express publication noted that the purchase of 250 new fighters — 150 Gripen models and 100 Rafale models — could cost Kiev more than €50 billion.