Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E aircraft. 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 received by Ukraine as early as the beginning of 2027.
"Also, as part of preliminary agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be transferred to our Air Force already at the beginning of 2027," the president wrote.
Additionally, the Ukrainian leader 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 the support of the United Kingdom. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in early 2029.
As Fedorov noted, the Gripen is capable of carrying Meteor missiles, which could become a key factor in Ukraine's technological advantage—primarily in detecting threats earlier, more effectively countering enemy aircraft, and engaging aerial targets at long distances.
Recall that in February, it was reported that Ukraine was considering using EU financial aid to purchase Swedish Gripen fighters to strengthen its air defense. In October 2025, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent for the supply of JAS 39 Gripen fighters, and Zelensky then stated an expectation of 150 aircraft, with the first to arrive in 2026.
In May 2026, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, during a press conference at the Uppsala military base, announced the transfer of Jas 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine.
