Ukraine's Defense Minister Mychajlo Fedorov visited Saab and the Swedish government in Stockholm on Thursday and expressed optimism about a near-term deal for up to 150 Gripen aircraft.
Fedorov, who met with Saab and Defense Minister Pål Jonson, described the Swedish planes as a possible "gamechanger" in the war against Russia due to the missiles' range and ability to protect the front line from glide bombs.
Ukraine has been negotiating with Sweden and Saab since a letter of intent was signed in October. Financing is now eased by Hungary lifting its veto on the EU's 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
Jonson confirmed that the talks, mainly on Gripen E but also C and D, are in an intensive phase with significant progress. Both he and Saab CEO Micael Johansson hope for a decision within a few months, though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has the final say.
