Ukraine to buy 20 Gripen fighter jets and receive 16 older C/D variant aircraft from Sweden
Europe, News May 29, 2026 Comments Off on Ukraine to buy 20 Gripen fighter jets and receive 16 older C/D variant aircraft from Sweden3 minute read
Ukraine will buy 20 new Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, while Stockholm will also donate 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft next year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on May 28, 2026.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at Sweden’s Uppsala air base, where two Gripen fighter jets were displayed. The agreement marks one of the biggest steps in efforts to modernize Ukraine’s air force as the war with Russia continues.
The two countries had signed a letter of intent last year that opened the way for Sweden to sell up to 150 Saab Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine. However, deliveries of the newer Gripen E models are expected to begin from 2030 due to production timelines.
Ukraine has described the Gripen jets as a top priority for its future air fleet. Kyiv has been seeking modern Western aircraft to replace and strengthen its mix of Soviet-era and NATO-standard planes currently being used in combat operations.
“Gripen is the best and optimal choice for Ukraine. So today, we take the next major step on this joint journey,” Kristersson said during the press conference.
You can do a lot with Gripen fighter jets.
— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) May 28, 2026
But they’re built for one thing.
Good luck, Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/iGE8RvDTj5
Zelenskyy said the fighter jets represented “a new page for Ukraine” and added that Kyiv still aims to eventually purchase all 150 aircraft mentioned in the original agreement.
“We need these jets, and for us this is really a new page for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “God bless; we will have enough financing for this.”
The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv had allocated around $2.9 billion from a wider $105 billion European Union loan package to help finance the purchase of the aircraft.
In the meantime, the transfer of the older Gripen C/D jets is expected to provide Ukraine with a temporary boost to its air defense and combat capabilities before the newer models arrive.
Saab Shares Rise After Announcement
The deal also gave a major boost to Swedish defense manufacturer Saab, whose shares rose more than 4% following the announcement.
Saab CEO Michael Johansson described the agreement as a “big day” for the company and said the growing international interest in Gripen aircraft would strengthen the platform’s global reputation.
“The more countries that select the Gripen fighter and it starts flying in operations in more countries, the more people understand what a fantastic capability this is,” Johansson said.
Sweden has been one of Ukraine’s strongest European backers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Sweden has already provided around $13.75 billion worth of military and civilian aid to Ukraine and has set aside billions more in support for this year and next.
Gripen as an Alternative
The Gripen fighter jet is widely viewed as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive Western aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
Military analysts often point to the Gripen’s lower maintenance requirements, quick turnaround times, and ability to operate from dispersed bases and ordinary roads as key advantages during wartime operations.
The agreement highlights the growing influence of the Swedish defense industry, which has seen increased demand since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshaped Europe’s security environment.
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