Sweden Delivers Radar-Equipped Reconnaissance Aircraft to Ukraine

On Wednesday, June 9, the Swedish government announced that as part of its largest aid package to Ukraine, it will deliver two radar-equipped reconnaissance and command aircraft to strengthen the country's military in its confrontation with Russia. The value of these aircraft is $1.3 billion. The Swedish government stated that the 'Saab 890' reconnaissance and airborne control aircraft will facilitate the identification of long-range targets and assist Ukraine in better operating the F-16 fighter jets that will be provided to Kyiv by several Western countries. According to Reuters, Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson said at a press conference in Stockholm, 'These aircraft will complement and strengthen the F-16 fighters.' Amid regular air attacks from Russia with its advanced fighter jets, the Ukrainian Air Force, which relies on a relatively small fleet of old Soviet-era jets, needs F-16 fighters to enhance its air defense. The Ukrainian Defense Minister has expressed hope that the first F-16 fighter jets will be delivered to the country 'very soon.' Additionally, see: New $1 billion military agreement between Ukraine and Belgium; Kyiv will receive 30 F-16 fighter jets. Reuters also quoted a Russian official stating that Ukrainian drones have the capability to strike up to 2,500 kilometers deep into Russia, 'but Moscow is safe.' Dmitry Bogdanov, head of the radio-electronic warfare department of the Russian Aerospace Forces, stated in a conference that a large part of Russian territory near the Ukrainian border is 'vulnerable' to potential attacks. This Russian official mentioned that measures have been taken to protect the Russian capital from Ukrainian drone attacks, and other regions are working on their defenses. Since the beginning of this year, Russia has been targeted by drone attacks from Ukraine, which have hit important oil refining infrastructure in the world's second-largest crude oil exporter, destabilizing global markets. According to a source in Kyiv, on Monday, June 7, the Ukrainian army targeted Russia's early warning military radar system in the Orenburg region, approximately 1,500 kilometers deep into Russian territory, in one of the deepest drone attacks on Russia since the beginning of its invasion. The Ukrainian drone targeted the second Russian 'long-range' military radar. Zelensky: Delays in foreign aid have made the situation at the front 'very difficult.' Antony Blinken at NATO's 75th anniversary: Ukraine will join this military alliance. The U.S. Defense Minister: The United States and the free world will not allow Ukraine to fail. Peace talks for Ukraine in Switzerland; 'Neutrality' under test. NATO Secretary-General calls for a review of restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western military aid against Russia.