Saab Seals Historic Deal: Gripen E Jets for Ukraine
- On Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reaffirmed plans to deliver 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2027, including full logistics and technical support packages.
- Sweden engineered the JAS 39 Gripen during the Cold War to survive potential Soviet strikes by dispersing onto rural roads and improvised airfields, a doctrine directly addressing Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian missile attacks on fixed bases.
- Using $2.9 billion from a European Union loan, Ukraine plans to acquire up to 20 newer Gripen E/F jets, with deliveries for this advanced variant scheduled to begin in 2030.
- Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are currently training in Sweden, preparing to integrate NATO-standard weapons and Link 16 tactical datalink architecture upon the aircraft's arrival.
- The acquisition represents a strategic shift toward a standardized, NATO-compatible fighter platform, moving away from a mixed donor fleet; Ukraine aims to localize production of up to 150 Gripen E jets by 2033 under a 2025 letter of intent.
61 Articles
61 Articles
Saab signs first Gripen E fighter order for Ukraine
Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for 16 new-build Gripen E fighters for Ukraine, the first firm order to come out of a framework that could eventually cover up to 150 aircraft. Announced on June 30, 2026, the order is valued at approximately SEK 24.6 billion (around $2.5 billion) and will be booked in the third quarter of 2026, Saab said. Deliveries to FMV are scheduled for 2029 and 2030. Alongsid…
Ukraine’s Gripen E Contract Finalized
The contract enables the procurement of 16 Gripen E jets by Ukraine, with the first deliveries expected in 2029-2030, and prepares the planned donation of 16 JAS 39 C/D aircraft. Ukraine and the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) signed the contract for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets for the Ukrainian Air Force. To enable the acquisition, the FMV then signed the contract with Saab, worth approximately SEK 24.6 billion (€2…
Ukraine, Sweden Ink Deal to Strengthen Kyiv's Combat Aviation
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the country's latest partnership with Sweden to strengthen aerial warfare. 'Together with Sweden, we continue strengthening Ukraine's combat aviation. Today, our countries signed an agreement for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets,' announced Zelenskyy on his social media account. 'Importantly, the aircraft will come with a package of related equipmen…
Ukraine is buying 16 Gripen fighter jets from the Swedish defense company Saab for around €2.5 billion. While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has announced that deliveries will begin in 2027, Saab plans to deliver them between 2029 and 2030.
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