Ukraine and Sweden Finalize Contract for 16 Advanced Gripen E Fighters Ahead of 2027 Fleet Transfer

Ukraine and Sweden have officially signed an agreement for the procurement of 16 advanced Gripen E fighter jets, according to an announcement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 30.

“Together with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukrainian combat aviation. Today, our countries concluded an agreement to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets,” the President stated. “It is important that along with the aircraft there will be a package of relevant equipment, technical assistance, and support.”

The newly finalized procurement path builds upon pre-existing defense commitments established between Kyiv and Stockholm. “Within the framework of previous agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be transferred to our Air Force as early as the beginning of 2027,” the Ukrainian president wrote.

The final details of the multi-phase deployment were synchronized during a bilateral meeting with Swedish defense leadership. “We discussed in detail the implementation of these steps and also broader bilateral cooperation, in particular the preparation of the Drone Deal and work on anti-ballistics,” Zelenskyy noted.

“I thank Sweden — the entire people and government — for a meaningful partnership and constant assistance since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Together we work for the security of Ukraine and all of Europe,” he concluded.

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The signing of this contract follows details shared in May 2026 regarding the tactical capabilities and long-term scope of the aviation initiative. During a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Zelenskyy had announced that the upcoming aircraft package will include long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles intended to push back Russian aircraft and counter guided aerial bombs (KAB) strikes.

Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine ultimately intends to purchase a total of 150 Gripen fighters—including 22 advanced Gripen E models slated for delivery by 2030—financed through a €90 billion ($102 billion) EU loan.

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