Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on March 5, 2026, that Ukraine is preparing advance payments for Saab Gripen jets from Sweden and Dassault Rafale jets from France to bolster its air force.
“We must have a down payment from the Ukrainian side for future aviation, regarding the Gripen and Rafale,” Zelenskyy stated during a briefing following a meeting with Cabinet members and parliamentarians. He noted the issue was discussed on March 4 with Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Ukraine anticipates receiving the first of up to 150 Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters in 2026, likely the older C/D variants. Sweden is phasing out its Gripen C/D fleet in favor of the E/F model, and prior discussions included potential transfers of C/D aircraft after prioritizing F-16 integration. A letter of intent signed on October 22, 2025, between Kyiv and Stockholm opens the door for a formal contract targeting 100 to 150 Gripen E jets, valued between $12 billion and $15 billion as part of a broader 250-300 aircraft modernization program.
On the French side, a November 2025 letter of intent covers up to 100 Rafale jets, alongside air defense systems, munitions, and drones. This political commitment precedes any purchase agreement. Neither Sweden nor France has confirmed Zelenskyy’s remarks publicly. The Gripen offers advantages including lower maintenance costs, operations from improvised runways, and a six-month training period for experienced pilots.