Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden for the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets. Along with the aircraft, Kyiv will also acquire a package of equipment, maintenance, and support. This was announced on Tuesday, June 30, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on his Telegram channel.
Zelensky noted that the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine in early 2027.
"Also, under preliminary agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be transferred to our Air Force in early 2027," the president wrote.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed defense cooperation issues with Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson, including the Drone Deal program and joint work on missile defense systems.
According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the aircraft will be purchased using Eurocredit funds and with support from the United Kingdom. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in early 2029.
Fedorov noted that Gripen aircraft are capable of carrying Meteor missiles, so they could become one of the key factors of Ukraine's technological advantage. Primarily, they will allow earlier detection of threats, more effective counteraction to enemy aviation, and engagement of air targets at long distances.
In February, it was reported that Ukraine was considering using EU financial aid to purchase Swedish Gripen fighters to strengthen air defense. In October 2025, a letter of intent was signed between Ukraine and Sweden for the supply of JAS 39 Gripen fighters, and Zelensky then stated expectations of 150 aircraft, the first of which were to arrive in 2026.
In May 2026, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the transfer of Jas 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine during a press conference at the Uppsala military base.
