Gripen fighter jets agreement signed by Ukraine and Sweden
Ukraine and Sweden have finalized a significant agreement to supply Gripen fighter jets, marking a pivotal step in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The signing ceremony included Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson.
President Zelensky announced that alongside the aircraft, Ukraine will receive a comprehensive package of equipment, technical assistance, and support. As part of earlier arrangements with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D jets are scheduled to be delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force by early 2027.
During the discussions, both leaders also addressed broader bilateral cooperation, including initiatives related to drone technology and anti-ballistic measures.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov referred to the agreement as “historic,” emphasizing a new chapter in the development of Ukraine’s Air Force. He highlighted that the collaboration with Sweden spans multiple avenues aimed at enhancing air defense.
Fedorov elaborated on the operational and strategic facets of this partnership. He noted that the initial operational phase will see Ukraine acquire the 16 Gripen C/D models as military aid from Sweden, facilitating quicker integration of the platform and the training of pilots and technical personnel. Additionally, Ukraine plans to procure 16 Gripen E fighters funded through a Eurocredit and backed by the United Kingdom, with deliveries expected to start in early 2029.
The capabilities of the modern Gripen jets, capable of deploying Meteor missiles, were also underscored by Fedorov. This feature will enable Ukraine to enhance its technological edge, allowing for earlier threat detection, more effective counteraction against enemy aircraft, and the ability to engage aerial targets from greater distances.
Earlier reports indicated discussions about Gripen jets had been ongoing since 2023, with President Zelensky previously commenting on the breakthrough results of negotiations regarding Swedish fighters. The specifics of how many aircraft Ukraine would receive have not been officially disclosed, although estimates suggested around 60 older models might be available from Sweden.
In June 2023, Sweden expanded its assistance to include training for Ukrainian pilots on the Gripen platform. Furthermore, Gripen was prioritized as the second most preferred Western aircraft by Ukraine’s Air Force in summer 2023, with its significance reportedly increasing as of October 2025.
Defense Express reported in January 2026 that Ukraine anticipates receiving up to 14 units of the older Gripen C/D models in 2026, equipped with long-range Meteor missiles that boast a range of up to 200 kilometers, a capability not available on the F-16 or Mirage 2000-5.
