Sweden to donate 16 Gripen jets to Ukraine and sell 20 more in historic defence deal

A landmark agreement in Uppsala

Sweden and Ukraine signed a major defence agreement on Thursday during President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to an air base near Uppsala. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Stockholm will donate 16 JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Kyiv as part of bilateral military aid, while Ukraine will purchase 20 of the newer Gripen E/F models using €2.5 billion from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan facility. The total package, which also includes long-range weapons, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, and drone manufacturing support, is valued at 22.22 billion Swedish kronor — approximately €2 billion — making it Sweden's largest military aid package to Ukraine to date.

This is a historic decision for Sweden, but it also significantly strengthens Ukraine's air defence.

Delivery timelines and conditions

The donated Gripen C/D jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine in early 2027, according to Kristersson. The newer Gripen E/F models, manufactured by Swedish defence group Saab, will be delivered starting from 2030. The donation of the older C/D variants is conditional on Ukraine signing the purchase agreement for the E/F models. Shares in Saab rose 5% following the news. The deal marks a significant step after Sweden suspended its plans to send fighter jets to Ukraine in 2024, when partner countries requested that priority be given to American F-16 deliveries.

Zelenskiy's ambitions for a larger fleet

President Zelenskiy made clear that the 36 aircraft covered by Thursday's agreement represent only the first phase of Ukraine's ambitions. He stated that Kyiv hopes to eventually acquire up to 150 Gripen E fighters, referencing a letter of intent signed in October 2025 that envisioned the purchase of between 100 and 150 of the jets. "We hope we can secure financing for all of them," Zelenskiy said. The Ukrainian parliament ratified the EU's €90 billion loan agreement on Thursday, with €60 billion earmarked for weapons procurement. Ukraine expects to receive €3.2 billion next month and a total of €45 billion this year, with the remaining €45 billion held for 2027.

We hope we can secure financing for all of them.

Tactical advantages of the Gripen

Zelenskiy emphasised the operational role the Gripens will play, stating that Ukraine expects to use them to push back Russian aircraft and prevent the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs) against Ukrainian positions. The Gripen E/F variants feature 10 hardpoints — two more than earlier versions — along with increased range, payload capacity, and more advanced avionics. The aircraft can carry a wide range of Western munitions including Sidewinder, AMRAAM, and Maverick missiles, as well as the Taurus cruise missile with a range exceeding 500 kilometres, though Germany has not yet agreed to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine. The Gripen cannot, however, launch SCALP/Storm Shadow missiles, which Ukraine currently fires from modified Su-24 bombers.

We think we will be able to push out Russian aircraft so they cannot use KABs against us.

Broader air defence needs

Beyond the Gripen deal, Zelenskiy used the press conference to press for additional air defence support. He said Ukraine is awaiting a formal response from US President Donald Trump and Congress regarding requests for more Patriot air defence system missiles or licences to produce them domestically. Zelenskiy noted he had met with members of Congress and senators on Wednesday, and that they supported the proposals presented to Congress and the White House. "I think they need to act faster. We are pushing them very hard. Winter is approaching," he added. The Gripen C/D will become the third Western fighter jet in Ukraine's air force, joining American F-16s and French Mirage 2000s already in service.

I think they need to act faster. We are pushing them very hard. Winter is approaching.