Sweden’s Gripen deal with Ukraine has moved from political commitment to signed contract, after Saab agreed to supply 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft for Ukraine in an order worth about SEK 24.6 billion, approximately €2.22 billion.
The Swedish defence group said the contract was signed with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) and covers 16 Gripen E fighter jets, spare parts, associated equipment and technical support. Deliveries to FMV are scheduled for 2029–2030.
The agreement marks a new stage in Sweden’s military support for Ukraine and in Kyiv’s long-term effort to rebuild its air force during Russia’s war of aggression.
Sweden confirms the Gripen E order for Ukraine
Saab announced that the order will be booked in the third quarter of 2026. The company described the contract as covering both the aircraft and the support infrastructure needed to operate them.
The deal follows months of negotiations between Sweden and Ukraine. In May, the Swedish government said Ukraine intended to buy Gripen E/F aircraft as a first step, while Sweden planned to donate up to 16 older JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft from the Swedish Armed Forces’ current fleet.
That earlier package also included advanced ammunition, training and maintenance support. According to the Swedish government, the first donated Gripen C/D aircraft could begin defending Ukrainian airspace as early as 2027, while the newly purchased Gripen E aircraft are expected later, from 2029.
Gripen becomes part of Ukraine’s long-term air defence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had discussed the implementation of the agreement with Sweden’s Minister for Defence (Försvarsminister) Pål Jonson during a meeting in Kyiv.
The talks also covered broader defence cooperation, including projects linked to drones and missile defence. Ukraine has repeatedly identified air defence as one of its most urgent military needs, as Russia continues to target cities, energy infrastructure and military positions with missiles, drones and glide bombs.
Jonson described the deal as a major step for Ukraine’s freedom and for European security. In a statement on X, he said the Gripen would strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace.
Why the Gripen matters for Sweden and Europe
The Gripen programme is central to Sweden’s defence industry and to the country’s role as a NATO ally after joining the alliance in 2024. The aircraft is designed for dispersed operations, including take-off and landing on shorter runways and roads, a feature often highlighted as relevant for countries facing the risk of attacks on air bases.
For Ukraine, the Gripen deal is part of a broader transition toward Western aircraft and weapons systems. Kyiv has already received or secured commitments for other Western fighter jets, but Sweden’s aircraft adds a Nordic dimension to Ukraine’s future air capability.
For Stockholm, the agreement also links military support for Ukraine with industrial policy and national defence planning. The Swedish government has said that any donated Gripen C/D aircraft must be replaced quickly, given Sweden’s own security needs and the expansion of its armed forces.
A Nordic contribution to Europe’s security architecture
The contract does not immediately change the battlefield, as the new Gripen E aircraft are not scheduled for delivery before 2029. Its importance lies in the longer-term signal: Sweden is treating Ukraine’s air defence as part of Europe’s wider security architecture.
The agreement strengthens Ukraine’s future combat aviation while deepening defence cooperation between Kyiv and Stockholm. It also shows how Nordic military support for Ukraine is moving beyond emergency aid toward structured, multi-year commitments.
