Sweden announces major Gripen deal with Ukraine, including donation of 16 jets

Ukraine is set to acquire Swedish Gripen fighter jets in a major defense deal announced by the Swedish government on May 28, 2026, as the country continues to strengthen its air defense capabilities.

Under the agreement, Sweden will enable Ukraine to procure up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft, with Kyiv planning to allocate €2.5 billion (US $2.7 billion) from the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan to fund the purchase. Once Ukraine proceeds with the deal, Sweden also intends to donate 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft as bilateral military assistance.

You can do a lot with Gripen fighter jets.But they’re built for one thing.Good luck, Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/iGE8RvDTj5— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) May 28, 2026 The Swedish government described the package as its largest military support commitment to Ukraine to date. Beyond the fighter jets, it includes long-range strike capabilities, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, and support for defense innovation.

Why air defense matters to Ukraine

Air defense remains Ukraine’s top military priority. The Gripen deal represents a significant step in building a more capable and modern air force as the country continues to defend against ongoing threats.

Swedish officials said some Gripen aircraft could be delivered before the end of 2026, a timeline that suggests the initial deliveries would involve the older C/D variants rather than the newer E/F models, which take longer to produce.

A deal years in the making

The announcement builds on a long-term air defense cooperation agreement signed by Sweden and Ukraine on October 22, 2025. That agreement included an option to export Gripen jets and outlined a framework for between 100 and 150 aircraft, a scale that would roughly double Saab’s current production plans.

In November 2025, France and Ukraine signed a letter of intent covering up to 100 Rafale jets, presented as a political commitment rather than a formal purchase contract. That package also included air defense systems, munitions, and drones.

Transition from F-16 focus

Sweden has been gradually replacing its own Gripen C/D fleet with the newer E/F version. A possible transfer of the older jets to Ukraine had been discussed for some time but was paused so efforts could focus on bringing F-16 aircraft into Ukrainian service first.

With the F-16 program now underway, the Gripen track has moved forward, giving Ukraine access to another Western fighter platform as it works to modernize its air force.

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