Soviet-era aircraft upgrades and delivery of modern platforms: Oleksandr Kozenko met with Swedish SAAB representatives to discuss enhancing Ukrainian Air Force capabilities

23 May, 2025, 10:36 AM EEST

source: click on picture

Deputy Minister of Defence for Aviation Development Oleksandr Kozenko met with a Swedish delegation headed by Thomas Lindén, Director for Ukraine Affairs at SAAB.

The talks focused on enhancing the aviation capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

During the meeting, Oleksandr Kozenko expressed gratitude to the Swedish side for steadfast support of Ukraine in the fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

source: click on picture

The parties concentrated on several key areas during the discussions. One of the key areas discussed was the modernization of Ukraine’s existing fleet of Soviet-era aircraft with advanced avionics, including Swedish-made systems. The talks examined potential collaboration between the Ukrainian and Swedish defense industries on this project, notably integrating advanced radars, defensive equipment, and electronic warfare countermeasure systems on Ukrainian aircraft.

“Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation in this area will be mutually beneficial, as Ukraine will enhance the capabilities of its aircraft, while Sweden will gain insights from the combat experience gained through their deployment,” said Oleksandr Kozenko.

The parties also addressed the potential transfer to Ukraine and subsequent support of SAAB-produced aircraft. The meeting participants reviewed current agreements and outlined subsequent actions should a favorable political decision be made to transfer new Swedish-manufactured aviation platforms.

source: click on picture

The parties agreed to continue active consultations and communications to follow up on the agreements reached during the meeting.