KYIV, Ukraine, July 1, 2026 — Ukraine has signed a contract with Swedish defense company Saab for the purchase of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft in a deal valued at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish kronor ($2.54 billion). The agreement includes the aircraft, spare parts, technical support, training equipment, and related systems as part of Ukraine's ongoing effort to modernize its air force.
The procurement represents one of Ukraine's largest recent defense acquisitions and forms part of a broader long-term plan to build a fleet of 100 to 150 Gripen fighter aircraft. The acquisition is also intended to strengthen the country's ability to integrate modern Western combat aircraft alongside other platforms already being introduced into service, including the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Delivery Schedule
According to Saab, deliveries of the 16 newly manufactured Gripen E fighters are scheduled for 2029–2030. The aircraft will first be delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) before being transferred to Ukraine.
Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Sweden will donate 16 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft under an earlier agreement with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Deliveries of the donated aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027, providing Ukraine with an interim capability before the arrival of the Gripen E fleet.
Contract Includes Training and Support
The $2.54 billion contract includes a comprehensive support package covering spare parts, maintenance support, pilot and ground crew training, technical assistance, and associated equipment.
Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson said the company remains committed to supporting Ukraine's acquisition while assisting Swedish authorities in replacing aircraft donated from Sweden's existing Gripen fleet. He added that the Gripen E will enhance the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force and strengthen the country's air defense.
Training for Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel on the Gripen C/D aircraft is already underway in Sweden and is expected to expand later this year ahead of the 2027 deliveries.
Gripen E Capabilities
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E is the latest variant of the Gripen family and is designed to conduct dispersed operations with relatively low logistical requirements. Developed with an emphasis on operating from temporary airfields and road bases, the aircraft can continue missions even when conventional airbases are unavailable.
Compared with earlier Gripen variants, the Gripen E features a larger fuselage that carries approximately 30% more internal fuel, increasing its operational range and endurance.
The fighter is powered by a General Electric F414 turbofan engine and features 10 external hardpoints capable of carrying a wide range of NATO-standard weapons, including the Meteor, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles.
The aircraft is also designed for rapid maintenance and rearming by small mobile teams, enabling high sortie generation rates. It incorporates advanced sensors, network-centric warfare capabilities, and high operational availability for missions in contested airspace.
Expanding Sweden–Ukraine Defense Cooperation
The fighter aircraft agreement forms part of expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden. During a meeting in Kyiv, President Zelenskyy and Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson discussed implementation of the Gripen deliveries, preparations for a joint drone initiative, and continued cooperation on anti-ballistic missile defense capabilities.
The acquisition, combined with Sweden's donation of Gripen C/D aircraft and the associated training and support package, marks another step in Ukraine's long-term air force modernization and its transition to Western combat aircraft.
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