In a landmark defense agreement announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Sweden, Ukraine will acquire up to 20 new Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets while receiving 16 older Gripen C/D models as a donation from the Swedish government.
The deal, formalized at a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson at an air base in Uppsala, represents a significant step forward in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Details of the Agreement
Purchase of Gripen E/F: Ukraine intends to buy an initial batch of up to 20 advanced Gripen E/F multirole fighters. The acquisition will be financed with approximately €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) from the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan. Deliveries of these next-generation aircraft are expected to begin around 2030.
Donation of Gripen C/D: Sweden will donate up to 16 Gripen C/D fighters from its active air force inventory. These aircraft, equipped with advanced air-to-air capabilities including Meteor missiles, ammunition, and support systems, are slated for delivery in early 2027—providing Ukraine with a quicker operational boost.
This arrangement builds on a letter of intent signed last year, which outlined ambitions for Ukraine to eventually acquire up to 150 Gripen E fighters.
The Gripen is renowned for its versatility, advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and ability to operate from dispersed and austere bases, qualities highly valued in modern contested airspace. For Ukraine, which has long suffered from a numerical disadvantage in fighter aircraft against Russian forces, these jets could help contest the skies more effectively, particularly in countering glide bomb attacks and Russian tactical aviation.
Prime Minister Kristersson described the decision as “historic” for Sweden, emphasizing its role in bolstering Ukraine’s air defense. President Zelenskyy highlighted the potential for the aircraft to push back Russian jets and protect Ukrainian front-line regions.
Training for Ukrainian pilots and ground crews on the Gripen platform is expected to ramp up, with some preparations already underway.
The announcement comes as part of deepening Sweden-Ukraine defense ties. Sweden, a NATO member since 2024, has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine, providing various military aid packages. This fighter jet deal marks one of the most substantial contributions to Ukraine’s air force from any Western nation to date.
Saab, the Swedish defense company behind the Gripen, welcomed the development, noting that negotiations for the E/F models will proceed, with the company supporting the process.
The deal has drawn positive reactions in both countries, signaling strong bipartisan and international commitment to Ukraine’s defense needs. Analysts view the combination of immediate donations and long-term procurement as a pragmatic approach—delivering capability sooner while investing in cutting-edge technology for the future.
As Ukraine integrates these advanced fighters into its air force, the Gripen fleet could play a pivotal role in shifting the balance of air power in Eastern Europe.
