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Sweden and Ukraine Sign Historic Multi-Year Deal to Supply 100–150 Gripen E Fighter Jets
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Sweden has agreed to sell modern JAS 39 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine under a newly signed defense cooperation declaration, according to TV4 Nyheterna on October 22.
The agreement, signed in Stockholm by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marks a significant expansion of military and industrial collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking at the joint press conference, President Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian pilots are already being trained to operate the aircraft. “We have already been preparing pilots and will begin using Gripen jets next year,” he stated.
Under the declaration of intent, Ukraine plans to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E multirole fighters from Saab, one of Europe’s leading defense manufacturers.
According to the Swedish government, the deal will include not only aircraft procurement but also pilot training, maintenance cooperation, and shared technological expertise.
The Gripen E, the newest and most advanced version of Saab’s long-running Gripen line, is equipped with the General Electric F414G engine, providing higher thrust and improved fuel efficiency compared to previous models.
Its range exceeds 1,500 kilometers, allowing long-duration missions without refueling. The aircraft integrates the PS-05/A Mk4 radar and IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) system, offering superior situational awareness and multi-target engagement capability.
The fighter can operate from short, improvised runways and requires minimal ground support, an advantage that makes it suitable for dispersed air operations—a key factor for Ukraine’s air defense strategy under wartime conditions.
Its open-architecture avionics system also allows for integration with Western weapons, including the AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor air-to-air missiles, as well as various precision-guided munitions.
According to Swedish officials, cooperation with Ukraine may also extend to joint maintenance and future co-production opportunities in the defense sector, reinforcing the European defense industry’s role in supporting Kyiv.
Earlier, Sweden announced that its latest $836 million aid package to Ukraine would include Tross-class landing craft—multi-role naval vessels capable of transporting troops and supplies, and optionally armed with heavy machine guns or automatic grenade launchers.
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