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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sweden on October 22 for talks with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson focused on a potential long-term defense export agreement involving Gripen fighter jets. Ukraine could buy up to 150 Gripen fighter jets from Saab.

The meeting took place in the city of Linkoping, home to the Swedish defense firm Saab, manufacturer of the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft. Following the talks, the two leaders signed a letter of intent for expanded defense cooperation, including a framework for a possible deal covering up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets over the coming decade.

The agreement is seen as a major step toward strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities as Russia intensifies its strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

“This is the start of a long journey of 10–15 years,” Prime Minister Kristersson said, standing in front of a Gripen E fighter jet. “A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to make sure Ukraine can fight back against Russia’s aggression.”

Zelenskyy said that the first document signed between the two countries paves the way for Ukraine to acquire a substantial fleet of Swedish-made fighter jets Gripens. “Gripen is a priority for our army,” he said, adding that these are “great aircraft, strong aviation platforms capable of performing a wide range of missions.”

Today, we are opening an entirely new and truly meaningful chapter in our relations—relations between Ukraine and Sweden, and more broadly, overall security relations in Europe.

Today, we have the first document signed between our countries, paving the way for Ukraine to acquire… pic.twitter.com/y23ouunOyY

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 22, 2025

Gripen is a fourth generation single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft, designed for air-to-air combat, aerial bombing and reconnaissance. The advanced Gripen E-series is designed to counter future threats and its powerful electronic warfare (EW System) enables effective electronic attack capabilities.

Sweden had earlier paused plans to send Gripen aircraft to Ukraine in coordination with Western allies, prioritizing U.S.-made F-16 deliveries. That hesitation has eased as Kyiv integrates multiple Western aircraft, including French Mirage 2000-5 and American F-16s, into its fleet.

At the 2024 Singapore Air Show, Saab officials confirmed that Ukrainian pilots had tested Gripen aircraft the previous year. Discussions on potential transfers have continued despite political delays related to Ukraine’s NATO accession, still pending ratification by Hungary.

Experts say Gripen jets, known for their short takeoff capability and advanced radar systems, would significantly enhance Ukraine’s air power, especially against Russian cruise missiles and drones. Training typically takes between four to six months for limited combat readiness.

Norway Extends Energy Support

Before arriving in Sweden, Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska visited Oslo, where they met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. Norway pledged $150 million in new assistance to help Ukraine purchase gas for the winter months, marking its third energy support package this year.

“Energy support is extremely important,” Zelenskyy said, thanking Norway for its continued backing. The funds come as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions vulnerable as temperatures drop.

Russian Continues Attack on Ukraine

Zelenskyy’s Sweden trip came amid a new wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, which killed at least six people, including two children. In Kyiv, drone debris caused multiple fires in residential buildings, while additional strikes hit Zaporizhzhia and Odesa’s port city of Izmail.

Emergency services in the capital rescued dozens from damaged apartments, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting most of the incoming drones, but debris caused widespread fires and damage.

Meanwhile, a large Ukrainian drone strike reportedly hit an industrial site in Russia’s Mordovia region, causing material damage but no casualties.

Ukraine’s Broader Diplomatic Efforts

Zelenskyy’s latest European tour follows a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington days earlier, where Trump declined to offer Tomahawk missiles to Kyiv and instead proposed a temporary pause along current front lines, an idea Zelenskyy and several European leaders endorsed in a joint statement on October 21.

Trump’s planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, initially announced for late October, has since been postponed, according to Washington officials.

Zelenskyy is expected to continue his diplomatic mission in Brussels on October 23 and London on October 24, where he will join a meeting of the European-led “Coalition of the Willing,” a 35-nation group supporting Ukraine’s defense.

The Gripen E deal would mark a milestone in Sweden-Ukraine defense relations, offering Kyiv a pathway to modernize its air fleet amid protracted fighting. Both leaders signaled that the partnership is intended for the long term, blending Sweden’s defense industry expertise with Ukraine’s urgent battlefield needs.

“We are building not just for today, but for the next generation of European security,” Kristersson said. “This partnership is about resilience, cooperation, and the future of freedom in Europe.”