Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 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 as early as the beginning of 2027.
"Also, under preliminary agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be transferred to our Air Force as early as the beginning of 2027," the president wrote.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed defense cooperation with Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonsson, 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.
Fedorov noted that the Gripen can carry Meteor missiles, so they could become one of the key factors in Ukraine's technological advantage, primarily detecting threats earlier, countering enemy aviation more effectively, and hitting air targets at long range.
Recall that in February it was reported that Ukraine was considering using EU financial assistance 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, with Zelensky stating at the time that he expected 150 aircraft, the first of which were to arrive in 2026.
In May 2026, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced during a press conference at the Uppsala military base that Sweden would transfer Jas 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine.
