Ukraine and Sweden have signed an agreement for the purchase of 16 Swedish Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries expected to include related equipment and technical assistance. This deal follows previous agreements for Gripen C/D variants.
The acquisition of advanced Swedish Gripen fighter jets enhances Ukraine's air combat capabilities, bolstering its defense against Russian aggression and strengthening its military partnership with Sweden.
Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets, as announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 30. The deal includes a package of related equipment, technical assistance, and support. This acquisition follows previous agreements for Ukraine to receive its first 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets in early 2027. President Zelensky met with Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson to discuss the implementation of the agreement and broader bilateral defense cooperation, including a drone initiative and anti-ballistic capabilities. Sweden has been a significant military supporter of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, providing tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and reconnaissance planes. The Gripen E is a multirole fighter aircraft designed for dispersed wartime operations and can carry a range of NATO weapons.