Sweden has announced a major Gripen deal with Ukraine that includes the donation of 16 Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters from the Swedish Air Force inventory. The decision was unveiled on 28 May 2026 during Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s visit to the Uppland Air Wing at Uppsala air base.
This new package is presented as a separate but complementary step to the letter of intent signed in October 2025 on a potential long-term export of 100 to 150 Gripen E fighters. The donation of C/D aircraft is intended to provide Ukraine with a rapid reinforcement of its combat aviation, alongside already announced F-16 and Mirage 2000 deliveries.
The agreement covers pilot and ground crew training, logistical and maintenance support, and the supply of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions compatible with the Gripen. It also foresees expanded technical and industrial cooperation with Saab, including support and potential modernisation work.
For Sweden, the move is framed as a major contribution to Ukraine’s air defence and to Europe’s collective security, within the existing bilateral security agreement. For Kyiv, the Gripen fleet is viewed as a complement to the F-16, helping to diversify its future Western-oriented air force while replacing legacy Soviet-era platforms.