Sweden and Ukraine agree Gripen fighter jet deal

Sweden and Ukraine have taken what Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described as “the next major step” in bilateral defence cooperation by agreeing on a long-term fighter aircraft package centred on Saab’s Gripen platform.

The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Uppsala on Thursday, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj met with Prime Minister Kristersson.

- Ukraine has very clearly indicated Gripen as the choice and their priority for long-term air defence in Ukraine, Kristersson said.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will in a first phase purchase 20 newly built Gripen E/F fighter jets, while Sweden will also transfer 16 used Gripen C/D aircraft currently operated by the Swedish Air Force. 

Deliveries of the C/D models are expected to begin in early 2027, with deliveries of the newer Gripen E planned from 2030.

The agreement includes not only aircraft deliveries, but also training and maintenance support for Ukrainian personnel. Swedish authorities said work on pilot and technician training has already started.

The Swedish government stated that total Swedish military support to Ukraine has now reached SEK 128 billion since the beginning of the war.

The deal is also expected to strengthen industrial and defence ties between Sweden and Ukraine over the coming years, particularly around training, maintenance and operational support linked to the Gripen system.

- This would be beneficial to Ukraine, but also for the defense of Europe as a whole and that of Sweden, of course, Kristersson said during the event.