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Sweden Considers Financing Part of Gripen Fighter Jet Deal With Ukraine in Landmark Defense Move
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Sweden and Ukraine are progressing in talks over a major defense agreement that could see Kyiv acquire up to 150 Gripen E multirole fighter jets, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson told Reuters on November 6, adding that Stockholm could fund part of the deal via military aid.
The deal, if finalized, would mark Sweden’s largest-ever aircraft export.
The two countries signed a long-term air defense cooperation agreement in October, which includes the potential export of the fourth-generation Gripen jets. While the exact value of the deal has not been publicly disclosed, a recent sale of four Gripen aircraft to Thailand was valued at $563 million.
According to Reuters, Jonson said discussions around financing are moving forward, with Ukraine’s post-war budget capacity expected to play a key role. However, Sweden is also exploring alternative options including export credits, frozen Russian assets, and its designated Ukraine aid package, which allocates 40 billion Swedish crowns for 2026 and another 40 billion for 2027.
Jonson revealed that the proposal has been presented to the Coalition of the Willing—a group of 16 European nations committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense—some of whom may be inclined to contribute funding, especially if their defense industries are involved in producing components for the Gripen system. The aircraft includes parts made in the UK and engines supplied by General Electric.
Sweden is also actively negotiating within the EU to use up to €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense needs.
Reuters highlights that Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson previously described the deal as “very realistic,” although he noted that substantial work remains. The earliest deliveries of the jets could take place in approximately three years.
Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen, has stated that it is ready to ramp up production and is considering international cooperation with countries such as Ukraine and Canada to expand output beyond its facilities in Sweden and Brazil.
Analysts consider the Gripen a cost-effective alternative to more expensive fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35.
Earlier, it was reported that Estonia will allocate $3.2 million to purchase and maintain Starlink satellite communication systems for Ukraine, helping strengthen the country’s secure battlefield communications.
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