Ukraine Signs with Sweden for 16 Gripen E Aircraft, Deal Reaches $2.53 Billion

Ukraine has finalized a contract with Sweden for the purchase of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft, in a deal worth 24.6 billion Swedish kronor, or around $2.53 billion.

Swedish company Saab announced that the aircraft will be delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) during the 2029-2030 period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the agreement as an important development for strengthening the country’s air defense.

“In cooperation with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukraine’s air force,” Zelensky said.

The agreement includes not only the fighter aircraft, but also spare parts, support equipment, and other materials necessary for their use.

At the end of May, during his visit to Sweden, Zelensky had announced that Kyiv aimed to secure up to 20 Gripen E aircraft. In parallel, the Swedish government undertook to donate 16 Gripen C/D aircraft, an earlier version of this model, to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.

According to the Ukrainian president, these 16 Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force at the beginning of 2027, based on the agreement reached with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

In October, the two governments had also signed a letter of intent, which envisages Ukraine buying between 100 and 150 Gripen E/F aircraft in different phases.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said the new agreement represents the “first step” toward Ukraine’s goal of building a new fleet of up to 150 Gripen aircraft.

“This is an important step for Ukraine’s freedom and Europe’s security. Gripen will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace,” Jonson said.

In 2024, Sweden had halted its plan to send Gripen aircraft to Ukraine after Western allies had chosen to prioritize supplying Kyiv with American F-16 aircraft. With the new agreement, Sweden’s air support program for Ukraine is back on track.