Sweden and Ukraine have entered into a substantial intergovernmental agreement valued at 24.6 billion kronor (approximately $2.53 billion) for the procurement of 16 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets, a significant move aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This agreement encompasses not only the fighter jets but also a comprehensive support services package and training, with the delivery of the Gripen E fighters anticipated for 2029 and 2030. The actual formal placement of the order by Ukraine is projected for the third quarter of 2026.
Alongside this commitment, Sweden will also be donating 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine, with the first deliveries set to commence in early 2027. This initiative is part of a larger strategy announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in May, which included plans for Ukraine to acquire up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft in total while receiving the 16 Gripen C/D jets as a donation.
To finance the Gripen E acquisition, it is expected that funds will come from the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan. Notably, the donation of the Gripen C/D fighters is dependent on Ukraine proceeding with its purchase of the Gripen E aircraft.
The package from Sweden also involves advanced air-to-air munitions, which could include systems such as IRIS-T missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and the long-range MBDA Meteor air-to-air missiles. This agreement represents a significant step in Ukraine’s long-term strategy, which aims to acquire up to 150 Gripen fighters, thereby enhancing the country’s air force capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies.
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, expressed pride in the initiative, stating that the provision of the Gripen E to Ukraine would transform the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force and significantly strengthen its air defense.
The Gripen fighter series is built with considerable industrial support from both the UK and the US, with over 30% of each aircraft fabricated in the UK. The UK Ministry of Defence highlighted that critical components of the aircraft will be produced in Britain, directly supporting over 5,000 jobs within the UK defense sector. More than 50 companies, including Saab UK and Leonardo UK, are involved in supplying essential parts like radar systems and landing gear.
UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard, emphasized that this agreement not only enhances Ukraine’s air power but also showcases confidence in the UK defense industry, affirming its contribution to thousands of British jobs.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is recognized as a versatile, single-engine multirole fighter, engineered for high operational flexibility. Its design features a delta wing, state-of-the-art avionics, and fly-by-wire controls, allowing it to operate efficiently from short runways and other non-traditional locations with minimal logistical overhead.
The latest Gripen E/F variant comes equipped with advanced technologies such as an active electronically scanned array radar, an infrared search-and-track system, and an electronic warfare suite, alongside secure datalinks. This aircraft can carry an impressive payload of up to 7,200 kilograms (15,873 pounds) across multiple hardpoints.
With a powerful General Electric F414 turbofan engine, the Gripen can achieve speeds up to Mach 2 (2,470 kilometers per hour), covering a range of 2,200 nautical miles (4,074 kilometers) and reaching service ceilings of up to 16,000 meters (52,493 feet). Its armament includes a 27-millimeter internal cannon, as well as various air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions, positioning it as a formidable asset in modern aerial combat.
