The offer appeared to be the latest move in an ongoing diplomatic effort to persuade Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining the military alliance.

The Swedish defense ministry said on Friday it could contribute its Gripen warplanes to a Western coalition that is trying to speed fighter jets to Ukraine — but only after Sweden is allowed into NATO.

The offer, included in a $200 million package of weapons, 155-millimeter caliber ammunition and other defense support for Ukraine, was the latest move in an ongoing diplomatic effort to persuade Turkey to drop its objection to Sweden joining the military alliance.

“Support in the form of JAS-39 Gripen would be conditional on Sweden first becoming a member of NATO,” the Swedish Defense Ministry said in a statement.

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[–] NOT_RICK@lemmy.world 31 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Wouldn’t that require Turkey to actually care about Ukraine? They seem perfectly happy to play both sides of the conflict.

[–] AlteredStateBlob@kbin.social 31 points 1 year ago

Sure, but it could also lead to other members putting more pressure on Turkey to get it done.

[–] roguetrick@kbin.social 13 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Turkey can seem all they want, but they have a very vested interest in reducing Russian black sea influence. They care more than any other member of NATO other than Poland.

Edit: it wouldn't surprise me if they promised more weapons to Ukraine to specifically target the black sea fleet through secret diplomatic meetings, for example

[–] Spzi@lemm.ee 3 points 1 year ago

Or (positively) care about Sweden? The point of this alliance is to protect each other in case of an attack. If Turkey does not feel like risking their soldiers for Sweden, then it's good to bring that up as early as possible. Not condoning, just saying.