Ukraine wants to buy up to 150 Gripen planes from Sweden.

Zelensky and Kristersson announced this at a press conference from Saab's facility in Linköping.

“This is a historic day for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy says of the planned deal.

Ukraine wants to buy between 100 and 150 Gripen planes

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At a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, from Saab's facility in Linköping, both leaders announced that Ukraine plans to purchase up to 150 Gripen planes from Sweden.

Kristersson and Zelenskyy start the press conference by signing a letter of intent on deepened cooperation in air defense between the countries.

Kristersson then steps up to the podium and says that the letter of intent brings Sweden and Ukraine closer to a major export deal in air defense.

Ukraine wants to buy between 100 and 150 Gripen planes from Sweden, says the prime minister.

– It is no coincidence that we meet here at Saab where the Jas Gripen is produced, says Kristersson.

Biggest deal so far

If the Gripen deal goes through, it would mean that sales would be twice as large as Sweden's largest Gripen deal to date.

The Prime Minister emphasizes that today's declaration of intent does not aim for any new donations, but rather a more in-depth defense cooperation that includes the export of Gripen from Sweden to Ukraine.

– Starting today, we are working hard to explore the possibilities for long-term financing of Ukraine's defense, continues Kristersson.

President Zelenskyy takes the floor.

He says that"today is the start of a new era in the relationship between Ukraine and Sweden."

He praises the Gripen plane, which he calls"fantastic" and which he believes can strengthen the country's air fleet.

– We hope to have at least a hundred Gripen planes in the future, says Zelenskyj during the press conference.

Zelenskyy goes on to say that he is “incredibly grateful” to Sweden for helping the country so much. He calls the day “historic for Ukraine.”

The president is asked why he chose Jas Gripen. He replies that Ukraine has a very good grasp of the plan and that getting the Gripen is a “priority.” “They are the best in the world,” he continues.

They move on to talking about the peace plan. Zelenskyy is asked about the 12-step plan that several European countries are working on together with Ukraine.

"It's basically a plan to achieve a ceasefire. We're a long way off, but we have to support it," the president says.

Kristersson and Zelenskyj end the press conference with a hug before the Prime Minister proudly points to the Gripen plane that is lined up behind them.