Sweden in Talks to Sell 120 Saab JAS 39E “Gripen-E” Fighters to Ukraine in $10 Billion Deal

In what could become one of the largest defense export deals in Swedish history, Stockholm and Kyiv are in advanced talks for the sale of up to 120 Saab JAS 39E “Gripen-E” multirole fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force. The deal, estimated to be worth over $10 billion, was discussed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s high-profile visit to Linköping, the industrial heart of Sweden’s defense aviation and home to Saab AB.

During his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, President Zelensky signed a memorandum of intent on defense cooperation, which officials described as a framework for potential export and production collaboration. The agreement marks the most significant step yet in Ukraine’s effort to modernize its air combat capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

A Transformative Deal in the Making

According to senior officials cited by Swedish media, the proposal under discussion involves the sale of 100 to 150 Gripen-E aircraft, with an initial batch of 120 jets being considered. If finalized, this would be the largest single export order in Saab’s history. The estimated $10 billion valuation is based on the Gripen E’s average unit cost of around $85 million, not including training, weapons, and logistics support packages.

For Sweden, the deal would not only boost its defense industry but also signal a decisive step toward deeper military and industrial integration with European partners supporting Ukraine. For Kyiv, it would mark a game-changing leap toward establishing a Western-standard air force capable of challenging Russian airpower more effectively.

Gripen’s Advantages for Ukraine

The Saab JAS 39E Gripen, a 4.5-generation fighter, is designed for multi-role missions including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. It features an advanced AESA radar, a cutting-edge electronic warfare suite, data-linked situational awareness systems, and the ability to operate from short, improvised runways—making it particularly suitable for Ukrainian conditions where airbases remain vulnerable to missile strikes.

Unlike heavier Western fighters, the Gripen’s low maintenance footprint and rapid turnaround time allow high sortie rates and decentralized operations. These characteristics have long been touted as ideal for small air forces facing numerically superior adversaries.

Timeline and Implementation

The memorandum signed in Linköping does not constitute a formal sales contract but initiates technical and financial negotiations. Swedish officials expect a detailed framework agreement to be finalized within six to nine months, pending export license approvals from Sweden’s Defence Export Control Authority and parliamentary review.

If approved in 2026, deliveries could begin as early as late 2027, given Saab’s existing production commitments to Sweden and Brazil. Initial batches might include a mix of new and reconfigured aircraft, with full-scale production for Ukraine likely stretching through 2030.

In parallel, Ukrainian pilots and engineers are expected to undergo extensive training at Saab’s facilities in Linköping and at the Swedish Air Force’s F 7 Wing in Såtenäs. Early pilot familiarization programs have already taken place, according to defense sources.

Industrial and Strategic Impact

The proposed deal could also include joint maintenance hubs, training centers, and potential assembly of components in Ukraine, bolstering local defense-industrial capacity. Saab executives have previously expressed readiness to localize certain production lines for major export customers.

For Sweden, the sale would affirm its emergence as a top-tier European defense exporter. For Ukraine, it would complement its incoming F-16 fleet, providing a dual Western fighter ecosystem with both high-end and low-cost operational flexibility.

Regional and Political Context

While Sweden joined NATO earlier this year, Stockholm has so far balanced strong support for Ukraine with caution over direct weapons exports during wartime. However, the scale of this potential deal underscores a shift in Swedish defense policy following NATO accession.

The move is likely to draw a sharp response from Moscow, which has already condemned Western fighter transfers as “direct participation” in the conflict. Yet for Kyiv, the Gripen represents not only an aircraft purchase but a strategic partnership with a technologically advanced European nation that shares its security concerns.

Officials close to the negotiations suggest the next few months will determine whether the memorandum evolves into a binding contract. Saab’s production line in Linköping is already preparing for expanded capacity to accommodate new export orders.

If completed, the deal would stand as one of the most ambitious defense export projects in Europe’s modern history—potentially delivering Ukraine a fleet of 21st-century multirole fighters capable of reshaping the balance in the skies over Eastern Europe.