Ukraine signs agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets
Ukraine and Sweden signed an agreement on the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets on 30 June.
Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter); Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Details: Along with the aircraft, Ukraine will purchase a package of equipment, maintenance and support.
Quote: "In addition, under our previous agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be transferred to our Air Force at the beginning of 2027."
More details: Zelenskyy also discussed defence cooperation with Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, including cooperation under the Drone Deal format and joint work on anti-ballistic solutions.
Ukraine's Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov clarified that the fighter jets are being purchased using Euroloan funds and with support from the UK. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in early 2029.
Background:
- It was reported in February that Ukraine was considering using EU financial support to purchase Swedish Gripen fighter jets and strengthen its air defence. In October 2025, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent on the possible supply of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is counting on 150 aircraft, with the first expected to arrive as early as 2026.
- In May, Fedorov said the agreement will be signed in the "coming months", while Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects to receive its first Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets within the next 10 months. The first batch of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters for Ukraine will be delivered alongside Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles.
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