Stockholm agreement could transform Ukraine’s air combat capabilities with fighters designed for road-based operations and rapid deployment.
Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Sweden on Oct. 22 to acquire between 100 and 150 Saab Gripen E fighter jets, marking a potential major expansion of its air combat capabilities as the country continues to modernize its military.
The agreement came during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Sweden, where Zelensky visited Saab’s production facility in Linkoping to view the aircraft firsthand.
“We greatly value our relations with Sweden and all forms of support for our people,” Zelensky wrote on X following the meeting. “We consider the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft to be one of the most effective elements of this effort and count on the first deliveries of Gripens already in 2026.”
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson confirmed Ukraine’s request for the advanced fighters and said his government is exploring financing options for the deal.
“Ukraine has asked for 100-150 Gripen E and we are looking into how this can be financed,” Jonson said. “Sweden supports, and wants to contribute to a strong and modern Ukrainian air force.”
The Gripen E is particularly suited for Ukraine’s operational needs, with design features that allow it to operate from adapted road strips and other austere locations. The Ukrainian air force has maintained long-standing interest in the Swedish-made fighter, though earlier expectations centered on acquiring used C/D-model variants from Sweden’s existing fleet of nearly 100 aircraft.
A new production order would represent a significant commercial success for Saab, which has secured orders for just 96 Gripen E/F aircraft to date â 60 for Sweden and 36 for Brazil.
Sweden recently began operating the latest version of the fighter, placing its first two Gripen Es into service on Oct. 20 at Satenas air base with the F7 Wing.
Kristersson said during Zelensky’s visit that the agreement “will strengthen both Ukraine, Sweden and Europe.”
“We are one step closer to seeing Gripen protect Ukraine’s airspace,” Jonson added.
The Gripen announcement came just days after Ukraine revealed separate plans to acquire Bell AH-1Z attack helicopters and UH-1Y utility helicopters from the United States, following the signing of another letter of intent with the American manufacturer.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent on Oct. 22 for the potential purchase of 100-150 Saab Gripen E fighters, with first deliveries expected in 2026.
- The Gripen E’s capability to operate from adapted road strips makes it particularly suitable for Ukraine’s operational requirements.
- Sweden is exploring financing options for the deal, which would represent a major expansion for Saab beyond its current 96-aircraft E/F order backlog.
- Sweden recently deployed its first two Gripen Es on Oct. 20, marking the latest variant’s entry into operational service with the Swedish air force.
