Ukraine Signs Deal to Buy 16 Gripen E Jets From Sweden

Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E multirole fighter jets, marking what both sides described as a historic step in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the deal on his Telegram channel, reporting that itl was signed in the presence of President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson in Kyiv, Friday.

“Gripen jets can carry Meteor missiles, which could make them one of the key factors in Ukraine’s technological advantage – primarily in detecting threats earlier, countering enemy aircraft more effectively and striking aerial targets at long range,” Fedorov said.

Military aid, strategic purchase to follow

The agreement runs alongside a separate operation track under which Sweden committed to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen C/D jets as military assistance, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in early 2027.

Fedorov said this will allow Ukraine to “faster integrate the platform, prepare pilots and technical personnel, adapt the infrastructure and build up the combat capabilities of the Air Force.”

Reportedly, Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel have already begun training in Sweden. The deal includes equipment, as well as logistical and technical support, alongside the aircraft.

Financed by Europe, backed by Great Britain

The purchase of the 16 Gripen E jets is financed through European Credit Funds with the support of Great Britain, with delivery aimed to begin in early 2029. 

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According to Fedorov, the preparatory work was carried out jointly by Ukraine’s defense teams, Sweden’s Ministry of Defense and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration.

“This is a historic step in the cooperation between the two countries,” Fedorov said, adding that it “opens a new phase in the development of Ukraine’s Air Force and significantly strengthens its sky defense capabilities.”

Sweden’s Saab at the center of Ukraine’s air modernization

The Gripen deal places Swedish defense manufacturer Saab, globally known for its Gripen fighter aircraft and radar systems, directly into the center of Ukraine’s long-term Air Force modernization.

In May, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Zelensky signed a declaration on deepening defense cooperation at Uppsala Air Base, where Sweden first committed to transferring 16 Gripen C/D jets free of charge, opening room for the additional 22 aircraft.

Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to purchase up to 150 Gripen E jets in the future, as they are currently the most advanced version of the model. Reportedly, the jets will arrive with weapons packages including missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers (125 miles).

In February, Saab signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine’s state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom at the Munich Security Conference, formalizing cooperation in aviation and aerial surveillance. The partnership gave Saab direct access to Ukraine’s combat-tested industrial base, simultaneously accelerating Ukraine’s integration of Western aviation technologies into its military infrastructure.

“I thank the Government of Sweden, the company Saab, Great Britain and all partners who are helping to strengthen Ukraine’s skies,” Fedorov said, adding that Ukraine will continue to “modernize the Air Force and implement the best technological solutions for the defense of Ukraine.”