After F-16, Ukraine expects to receive more fighter jets from France and Sweden

Discussions are also said to include “consultations on the Eurofighter”, one of the most advanced jets in Europe, although details remain scarce and logistics remain a possible hurdle.

According to the Kyiv Post, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on September 22 that Kiev's Western allies have pledged to deliver French Mirage and Swedish Gripen multirole fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities.

Asked on television about the number of US-made F-16s delivered to Ukraine, Umerov said that in addition to the F-16s – some of which are already operating in Ukraine – Kiev had received “commitments” for the Mirage and “commitments or consultations for the Gripen”.

The discussions are also said to include “consultations” on the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of the most advanced jets deployed by European nations, although it is likely that the discussions are still at an early stage based on Mr Umerov’s wording.

“We now have commitments from partners, they are committed to the F-16, they are committed to the Mirage, they are committed or are consulting on the Gripen, they are consulting on the Eurofighter. So, this is a very good list of platforms.”

“And we are discussing when they will start. We will have the results soon and will announce them,” Minister Umerov said, as quoted by Ukrinform.

Mr Umerov added that the Ukrainian Defense Ministry had updated Kiev’s allies on its air capabilities and needs. He said Russia was using up to 300 fighter jets and up to 300 helicopters against Ukraine, while his country had discussed strategies to counter the threats with its allies.

Ukraine’s approach to securing moral and material support from the West has been improving since the crucial intervention of First Lady Olena Zelenska last year, but there are still major challenges in wartime. At the time, Zelenska told the BBC that a slowdown in aid was a “mortal danger” for Ukraine. “It is heartbreaking to see signs that the enthusiasm for helping may be fading,” she said.

“That is why we explain to our partners how many brigades or squadrons we need. We also explain to them about this and explain what [air force] platforms we need. Last year we focused on training pilots, on acquiring platforms, on creating all the necessary infrastructure,” Umenov was quoted as saying by the Kyiv Post.

In June this year, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to provide Ukraine with Mirage-2000 fighter jets and train Ukrainian pilots as part of a new military cooperation agreement, with the training program scheduled to begin in the summer.

French media network SudOuest reported last week that France has modernized some of its Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets destined for Ukraine with ground attack capabilities.

In July, the Kyiv Post reported that Ukraine had rejected Sweden's offer to transfer Swedish Gripen fighter jets, citing difficulties in simultaneously acquiring and integrating two different Western airframes following the recent delivery of new F-16s.

However, the transfer of Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine is still on the negotiating table.

In its recent aid package to Ukraine, Sweden also listed the purchase of parts for Saab JAS 39C/D Gripen aircraft as it modernizes its fleet, adding that “obsolete” parts included in a potential future transfer to Ukraine would be subject to a decision by the Swedish government.

Due to the logistics involved in training pilots and maintaining new aircraft systems, the likelihood of the aforementioned fighters appearing in Ukrainian airspace in the near future is very low, although Kiev's experience with the F-16 series could provide a basis for future integration of NATO aircraft due to some shared systems and components.