On Monday, Hungary’s parliament is expected to vote through Sweden’s NATO application. After that, the decision to send the Jas Gripen to Ukraine must be made immediately, believes Center leader Muharrem Demirok.
Similar demands are made by the Social Democrats.
– I expect that already on Tuesday we will receive an invitation from the Prime Minister regarding a broad collection for the Gripen to Ukraine, says Demirok
The center has long pushed for the plan to be sent to Ukraine, even before Sweden is admitted to NATO. All opposition parties have taken a positive stance, but the Social Democrats with the proviso that Sweden must first join NATO.
When that happens, it’s time to send plans, party leader Magdalena Andersson also said in a speech at Sergel’s square in Stockholm this weekend at a demonstration in support of Ukraine.
“Remarkable” if decision does not come
The message from the government and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has been that they will take a position on the issue only after NATO entry.
– If there is anything we know about Ukraine, it is that air supremacy will mean everything to move the front. If we do not make a decision now, it is remarkable, says Muharrem Demirok.
The Swedish Armed Forces have carried out a review of whether Sweden can send planes, but the conclusions are classified
– The armed forces have been clear in all their announcements, regardless of weapon system, that the re-acquisition for the Swedish part must follow what we reserve. It is extremely important, says Demirok.
He points out that the Jas manufacturer Saab has been open that the company has a number of completed hulls, which means that you can relatively quickly replace planes that are sent to Ukraine.