Ukraine’s Gripen Era Starts With One Big Question: Which Jets Is Sweden Sending

Ukraine’s Air Force may receive its first Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets as early as May 28, with Sweden expected to hold a ceremony linked to international aviation cooperation, Defense Express reported on May 28.

The Swedish government has officially announced an event at the airfield in Uppsala involving Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, citing its own sources, reported that the event concerns the transfer of Gripen fighters to Ukraine, with at least several aircraft expected to be handed over.

Defense Express noted that Uppsala is home to the Swedish Air Force Combat Training School, meaning Ukrainian pilots may have trained, or may train, on Gripen aircraft at the base. Sweden had previously indicated that deliveries of these aircraft could take place in 2026.

The exact number of aircraft expected to be transferred remains unknown. However, one indicator may be an earlier Swedish government decision to reserve components for 14 JAS 39 Gripen fighters for Ukraine.

The transfer is expected to involve used Gripen C/D aircraft: the single-seat C version and the two-seat D version. For a group of 14 fighters, a typical configuration would include two two-seat aircraft for training and command roles, plus 12 single-seat combat aircraft.

The Gripen C/D currently forms the backbone of Sweden’s Air Force, though it is less advanced than the newer Gripen E/F. Sweden’s transition to the newer version is one reason Stockholm may be able to transfer older aircraft to Ukraine.

Defense Express stressed that the exact type of aircraft handed over will be an important sign of Ukraine’s readiness to operate the Gripen.

If Sweden provides only two-seat versions, that would likely point to aircraft intended mainly for pilot training in Sweden, meaning the process is still at an early training stage. If single-seat Gripens are transferred, that would indicate combat aircraft are already entering the picture.

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The Gripen C/D can reach speeds of around Mach 2, has a combat radius of roughly 800 kilometers, and can operate at altitudes of up to about 50,000 feet. Compared with many Western fighter jets, the Gripen is known for relatively low operating costs, easier maintenance, and strong performance in dispersed operations.

The ceremony may also bring news about Ukraine’s longer-term plan to purchase 100 to 150 Gripen fighters in the newest E/F version. Kyiv declared that intention in October 2025, but the main obstacle has been financing.

With a €90 billion loan for Ukraine now unblocked, Defense Express said such a contract has become more realistic.

If confirmed, the first Gripen transfer would mark a major step in Ukraine’s effort to expand its Western fighter fleet and strengthen its air capabilities against Russia.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Navy had, for the first time, demonstrated the combat use of Swedish-made RBS-15 anti-ship missiles during a strike on the “Sivash” drilling platform.

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