(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, said this on national television, Ukrinform reports.

"Any aircraft is just a platform. Any aircraft has a lot of integrated systems, which is why it costs millions. For instance, a Gripen costs around $50 million per aircraft. Clearly, it's a highly technological asset. The main issue is the weaponry. If the F-16 carries two missiles and bombs, the Gripen has its own set of armaments. Some weapons are compatible among NATO aircraft, while others are unique. So if we were to receive the Gripen, we would also get additional munitions from the supplying country and be able to use them. Right now, missiles and bombs are precisely what we're lacking," he said.

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Ihnat said that Russia launches up to 6,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine every month, which underscores the need for more aviation platforms and strike capabilities. He added that the Gripen is well-suited for Ukraine, as it is one of the least expensive models, relatively cheap to maintain, and easily operable from Ukrainian airfields.

He also recalled that Ukrainian pilots have already trained on Gripen jets, including through familiarization flights.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier that the letter of intent signed today between Ukraine and Sweden on cooperation in developing air capabilities opens the possibility of transferring about 100 Gripen jets to Ukraine.

Photo: Saab

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