Ukraine’s Air Force Gets Swedish Gripens in a Historic Deal

Jul 01, 2026 11:46 Updated Jul 01, 2026 12:59

4 min read

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Illia Kabachynskyi

Feature Writer

The two sides agreed to deliver 32 aircraft to Ukraine over the next three years. It marks the first major modernization of Ukraine’s air force through the large-scale procurement of modern fighter jets from a European country, signaling a gradual departure from Ukraine’s Soviet-era aviation legacy.

On the final day of June 2026, Sweden and Ukraine signed a historic agreement to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets. The contract marks the first phase of a broader program that envisions Ukraine purchasing more than 100 fighter aircraft in the coming years.

“Together with Sweden, we continue strengthening Ukraine's combat aviation,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. “Today, our countries signed an agreement for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets. Importantly, the aircraft will come with a package of related equipment, technical assistance, and support.”

Why is this deal so significant for Ukraine?

Ukraine’s modern Gripen fleet

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s fighter fleet was significantly smaller than Russia’s. Another major challenge was that it consisted almost entirely of Soviet-designed aircraft developed decades ago.

Over time, Ukraine began receiving more advanced F-16 fighter jets from its European partners, significantly enhancing its air capabilities. These aircraft brought modern weapons systems and advanced technologies, including improved enemy detection capabilities.

The Gripen agreement with Sweden, however, represents an entirely different level of modernization. Unlike previous transfers, this deal involves the expected delivery of brand-new aircraft built specifically for Ukraine.

The final size of the overall order has not been officially confirmed, but media reports have repeatedly suggested a fleet of between 100 and 150 new aircraft under contracts spanning the next decade. Ukrainian officials have also stated that the country requires between 140 and 180 modern fighter jets to fully protect its airspace—figures that broadly align with the reported scale of the planned procurement.

Equally important for Ukraine is that the agreement covers not only the aircraft themselves but also their weapons systems.

“Gripen jets can carry Meteor missiles, which could make them one of the key factors in Ukraine’s technological advantage,” Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. “Primarily in detecting threats earlier, countering enemy aircraft more effectively and striking aerial targets at long range.”

Taken together, the agreement represents a comprehensive modernization of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities rather than a series of isolated acquisitions. It is the first time since gaining independence in 1991 that Ukraine has committed to purchasing a large number of brand-new fighter jets on this scale. Sweden, which has supported Ukraine since the earliest days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, has now become a key partner in that transformation.

The first two phases of the plan

The roadmap for integrating Gripen fighters into Ukraine’s defense consists of two stages.

In early 2027, Sweden will provide Ukraine with the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as military aid. These jets previously served with the Swedish Air Force.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense says this approach will allow the country to integrate the platform more quickly, train pilots and maintenance personnel, adapt the necessary infrastructure, and gradually build the Ukrainian Air Force’s operational capabilities. In other words, Ukraine will not have to build an entirely new system once the Gripen E aircraft arrive. Instead, the necessary infrastructure will already be in place, allowing the new fighters to enter service much more rapidly. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already undergoing training in Sweden.

The second stage is strategic. Ukraine is purchasing 16 Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2029. In addition to the aircraft, Ukraine will receive the required equipment, logistics, and long-term technical support.

Future batches of aircraft are expected to be delivered under additional contracts to be signed between Ukraine, Sweden, and Saab.

For both Ukraine and Europe, the agreement represents a compelling example of high-level defense cooperation within the democratic alliance. The procurement is being financed through European credit mechanisms with support from the United Kingdom, while multiple countries are involved in producing the Gripen platform. Together, Sweden and Ukraine have concluded a landmark defense agreement that underscores Europe’s growing determination to strengthen its own security and defense capabilities.

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