Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has signed a SEK 24.6 billion contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2030. The deal includes spare parts, associated equipment, and technical support, financed through an EU support loan. This procurement marks the first phase of Ukraine’s long-term ambition to acquire up to 150 Gripen fighters over the next decade. In parallel, Sweden will donate 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft, expected to arrive in early 2027, which will be replaced by new Gripens acquired by the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen E offers operators greater operational flexibility through road-based operations and resilience in contested environments, supported by advanced radars and electronic warfare systems.