Ukraine is moving toward a first tranche of about 20 Saab Gripen E/F fighters, adding a concrete phase to its broader plan to rebuild its air force with Western combat aircraft. The new package comes alongside Sweden’s plan to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft at no cost.
The latest discussions follow a letter of intent signed in October 2025 in Linköping by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, covering a potential future purchase of 100 to 150 Gripen E/F aircraft. The current talks focus on an initial batch intended to anchor Ukraine’s postwar combat fleet.
Ukraine’s defense minister said the talks were progressing satisfactorily and that an agreement could be finalized within months. First deliveries are expected at least three years after the contract is concluded. Financing remains under discussion, with options including Swedish export credit support, frozen Russian assets and allied assistance.
The Gripen E/F is seen as a long-term element of Ukraine’s future fighter force, alongside F-16s and Mirage 2000 jets already pledged or delivered. Sweden is also studying higher Gripen production rates, a factor that will shape delivery timelines.