Ukraine to buy up to 20 Gripen jet fighters, Sweden to donate 16

Ukraine plans to buy up to 20 latest model Gripen fighter jets and Sweden will donate 16 older models, the two countries announce, as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky visits Sweden.

Ukraine plans to allocate 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion) from an EU loan for the new aircraft, the Swedish government says in a statement.

Regarding the latest model Gripen E jets, “the aim is to quickly conclude a final agreement with deliveries as of 2030,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson says at a joint press conference with Zelensky at an air base in Uppsala, 70 kilometers (45 miles) north of Stockholm.

The 16 donated aircraft will be delivered in early 2027, Kristersson says.

“This is a historic decision for Sweden, but it also strengthens Ukraine’s air defence significantly,” he adds.

Sweden will transfer the first 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

Thank you, Sweden! ????????????????

These are JAS 39 Gripen C/D multirole fighters – aircraft Ukraine had previously described as among the most sought-after for strengthening its combat aviation.

Ukraine and Sweden also… pic.twitter.com/ONE052oEeJ

— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 28, 2026

The two countries signed a letter of intent in October on Kyiv’s purchase of 100 to 150 Gripen E aircraft.

Zelensky says Ukraine, battling Russia’s invasion since 2022, hoped to buy all 150 planes.

“We hope we will be able to secure financing for all of them,” he adds.

Sweden in 2024 suspended plans to send Gripen jets to Ukraine after partner countries requested that priority be given to providing US F-16 fighters.