100 Plus Swedish Gripen Fighters to Ukraine in 2026
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Ukraine and Sweden have officially signed a declaration of intent regarding the transfer of 100 to 150 state-of-the-art Gripen E series fighters to the Ukrainian side. This was announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Stockholm.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Details of the Agreements Between Ukraine and Sweden
According to Kristersson, the signed Swedish-Ukrainian letter of intent creates the necessary conditions for a future large-scale export agreement for the supply of fighters and other weapons. He emphasized that the successful implementation of this project will enhance security throughout the region and strengthen the positions of both countries.
“The step we are taking today through this Swedish-Ukrainian letter of intent creates the necessary prerequisites for a large export agreement regarding weapons and fighters between our two countries. If we succeed, it will contribute to increased security in our part of the world and strengthen both Ukraine and Sweden,” said Kristersson.
The Swedish Prime Minister noted that the project is planned for 10-15 years and involves the transfer of next-generation fighters, the production of which has just begun. He clarified that the first deliveries could take place in about three years, meaning as early as 2026.
Plans for Supply and Preparation for Using Gripen
Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that this decision opens a new stage in relations between Ukraine and Sweden. The President highlighted the powerful capabilities of the Gripen aircraft and their ability to address a wide range of tasks in defending Ukrainian airspace from Russian aggression. He also expressed hope that the future contract would allow for the acquisition of no less than a hundred such fighters.
Regarding timelines, Zelensky noted that by next year, Ukraine must do everything possible to achieve the first concrete results, and all necessary procedures should be completed as quickly as possible. The President reminded that Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to quickly train pilots, technical personnel, and prepare infrastructure for accepting new aviation technology.
In previous years, Ukraine and Sweden had already discussed the transfer of specialized ASC 890 aircraft and JAS 39 Gripen fighters, including personnel training. In August 2024, it became known that Ukrainian pilots had begun testing Swedish Gripen fighters.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by Russia, Ukraine has appealed to Western partners for modern combat aircraft, including F-16s. In 2023, several countries agreed to transfer such fighters to Kyiv, and on August 4, 2024, the first F-16s were showcased during the celebration of the Air Force Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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