Sweden and Ukraine Sign $2.5B Deal for 16 Gripen E Fighter Jets
Sweden and Ukraine have finalized a $2.5 billion contract for Saab to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries scheduled between 2029-2030. A separate donation of 16 older Gripen C/D fighters will begin in early 2027. The deal, signed by President Zelensky and Swedish PM Kristersson, includes spare parts, logistics, and training. Ukraine is financing the purchase through an EU support loan. The Gripen E is optimized for dispersed operations from short runways and highways, bolstering Ukraine’s air defense amid the war with Russia.
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UK Announces $405 Million Support for Ukraine's Gripen E Fighter Jets
The UK government has announced a €300 million ($405 million) investment to support the delivery of 16 Swedish-made Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets to Ukraine. This funding is intended to bolster Ukraine's air force capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement underscores continued Western military aid to Ukraine, with the UK playing a key role in facilitating the transfer of advanced fighter aircraft from Sweden. The deal highlights deepening defense cooperation between the UK, Sweden, and Ukraine.
Airforce TechnologyUK pledges $405 million for Swedish Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced a €300 million ($405 million) investment to support the delivery of 16 Swedish Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets to Ukraine. The funding will cover aircraft construction, pilot and engineer training, simulators, spare parts, and frontline equipment. The UK Ministry of Defence stated the deal will support approximately 5,000 skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies in the Gripen supply chain, including Saab UK and Leonardo UK. Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration finalized a contract with Saab for the jets late last month. The UK expects Ukraine to operate a squadron of 16 Gripen E fighters by 2029. The aircraft, equipped with AESA radar and IRST systems, is noted for low maintenance needs suitable for Ukraine's operational environment. This commitment is part of broader UK military aid, including 150,000 drones and £3 billion in total aid this year.
Airforce TechnologyUK pledges $405 million to support delivery of Swedish Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a €300 million ($405 million) investment to support the delivery of 16 Swedish Saab Gripen E multirole fighter jets to Ukraine. The funding will cover aircraft construction, pilot and engineer training, simulators, spare parts, and frontline equipment. The UK Ministry of Defence stated the deal will support approximately 5,000 skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies in the Gripen supply chain, including Saab UK and Leonardo UK. Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration finalized a contract with Saab for the jets late last month. The UK expects Ukraine to operate a squadron of 16 Gripen E fighters by 2029. The Gripen E features an AESA radar, IRST system, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, and is noted for low maintenance requirements suited to Ukraine's operational environment. The announcement is part of broader UK military aid, including 150,000 drones and £3 billion in total aid this year.
Airforce TechnologyUK to Fund 16 Gripen Fighter Jets for Ukraine with €300 Million
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a €300 million allocation to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv, which will fund the delivery of 16 Swedish Gripen E fighter jets. The financing also covers training for pilots and engineers, with the goal of bringing the aircraft into service by 2029. The Gripen jets are capable of air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and reconnaissance, and are noted for low maintenance requirements, making them suitable for Ukraine's needs. The UK government stated the construction will support 5,000 skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies supplying the global Gripen programme. Starmer, who has already announced his resignation on June 22 and will officially step down on July 20, also committed to delivering 150,000 drones and thousands of air defense missiles to Ukraine this year.
Defence24.comUkraine to Receive Gripen Fighter Jets in Deal with Sweden
Ukraine is set to receive Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets under a $2.54 billion deal with Saab, with deliveries of 16 advanced Gripen E jets beginning in early 2029. Sweden will also send 16 older Gripen C/D fighters early next year. The Gripen is considered well-suited for Ukraine's fight against Russia due to its design for austere airstrips, mobility, and low maintenance. However, integrating a new jet type alongside F-16s and Mirages presents logistical challenges, including training, parts, and maintenance. Ukrainian pilots have been training on the Gripen since 2023. The deal is seen as a first step toward Ukraine's goal of acquiring up to 150 Gripen E/F aircraft.
All Content from Business InsiderSweden Built Five Generations of Saab Fighters for a War That Never Came. Ukraine Just Bought the Newest for the War That Did
On June 30, Sweden's Saab signed a $2.5 billion contract to supply Ukraine with 16 new-build JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, with deliveries in 2029-2030 financed through the EU Ukraine loan facility. The deal, part of a framework that could reach 150 aircraft, also includes 16 donated Gripen C/Ds from Swedish stocks arriving from early 2027. The article traces Sweden's 78-year fighter lineage from the Saab 29 Tunnan through the Gripen, noting these jets were designed for a Soviet invasion of Sweden that never came, based on dispersed highway basing and rapid turnaround. The Tunnan saw combat with UN forces in the Congo in 1961-62, the only Swedish fighter to fire shots in anger until now. The Gripen's design philosophy—highway operations, forest concealment, 10-minute rearm by minimally trained crews—was developed for Cold War scenarios against Russia, now being applied to Ukraine's war.
19FortyFiveSweden's Saab to Supply Ukraine with 16 New Gripen E Fighters in $2.5 Billion Deal
On June 30, Saab signed a contract to supply Ukraine with 16 new-build JAS 39 Gripen E fighters worth approximately $2.5 billion, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030. The deal, financed through the EU's Ukraine loan facility, is the first firm order under an October framework that could reach 150 aircraft. Additionally, 16 donated Gripen C/Ds from Swedish stocks will arrive from early 2027, with Ukrainian pilots and technicians already training in Sweden. The article traces the lineage of Swedish fighter jets from the Saab 29 Tunnan through the Gripen, highlighting their design for dispersed highway basing and rapid turnaround against a Soviet invasion that never came, now being deployed for Ukraine's war.
19FortyFiveSweden's Saab Signs $2.5 Billion Deal to Supply Ukraine with Gripen Fighters
Swedish aerospace company Saab signed a contract on June 30 to supply Ukraine with 16 new-build JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, valued at approximately $2.5 billion. The deal is part of a broader October framework that could eventually reach 150 aircraft. Deliveries of the new fighters are scheduled for 2029 and 2030, financed through the European Union's Ukraine loan facility. Additionally, 16 donated Gripen C/Ds from Swedish stocks will arrive starting in early 2027. The Gripen represents the fifth generation of Saab's fighter lineage, a 78-year history of Swedish designs built around dispersed highway basing and rapid turnaround, following the Saab 29 Tunnan, Saab 32 Lansen, Saab 35 Draken, and Saab 37 Viggen.
19FortyFiveSweden Delivers 16 Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine as Political Scientist Highlights Defense Boost
Sweden has, for the first time, delivered 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in military support. Political scientist Gerhard Mangott emphasized the military importance of the transfer, noting it enhances Ukraine's defensive capabilities. However, he pointed out unresolved financing questions and assessed that Ukraine currently lacks the capacity to mount a major offensive. The delivery reflects ongoing Western arms and technology transfers aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. The article, published by Die Welt on July 1, 2026, underscores the strategic shift in Ukraine's military posture but also the limitations imposed by resource constraints.
Nachrichten - WELTSweden and Saab finalize $2.5 billion contract for 16 Gripen E fighter jets for Ukraine
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a Skr24.6bn ($2.5bn) contract with Saab for the delivery of 16 JAS 39 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft to Ukraine. The contract was formalized in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and defense officials from both Sweden and Ukraine. Deliveries, including spare parts and equipment, are scheduled between 2029 and 2030. The deal is part of a broader European loan initiative supported by the UK. Saab's Gripen E features a GE F414G engine, AESA radar, IRST, and advanced electronic warfare systems, and can operate from short runways. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense expects the fleet to enhance interception of cruise missiles and drones. Training for pilots and technical staff is already underway. Separately, the European Commission has allocated €3.9bn for drone procurement for Ukraine as part of a larger €90bn Ukraine Support Loan.
Airforce TechnologySaab signs contract with Swedish FMV for 16 Gripen E fighters for Ukraine
Swedish defense company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E multirole combat aircraft to Ukraine. The order is valued at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish Kronor (SEK) and will be booked in the third quarter of 2026. The contract includes spare parts and associated equipment. Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated that the Gripen E will fundamentally transform the Ukrainian Air Force's capabilities and strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The aircraft is designed for operations in demanding environments, featuring high operational flexibility including the ability to operate from short runways, provisional airfields, or roads. Its software-based architecture allows for continuous upgrades, and low maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective fighter platform.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSaab Signs Contract for 16 Gripen E Fighter Jets for Ukraine
Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft to Ukraine. The order, valued at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish Kronor, includes spare parts and related equipment. It will be booked in the third quarter of 2026. Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated the deal will significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defense. The Gripen E is designed for operations against modern threats, can operate from short runways or roads, and offers cost-effective, easily maintained fighter capability with software-based upgradability.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSaab Signs Contract with Swedish FMV for 16 Gripen E Fighters for Ukraine
Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E multirole combat aircraft to Ukraine, with an order value of approximately 24.6 billion Swedish kronor. The order will be booked in the third quarter of 2026, with deliveries to FMV. The contract also includes spare parts and related equipment. Saab CEO Micael Johansson expressed pride that Sweden and Saab are enabling the provision of top-tier fighter aircraft to fundamentally strengthen Ukraine's air force and air defense. The Gripen E is designed for operations against modern threats in challenging environments, capable of operating from short runways and roads, with a software-based architecture for continuous upgrades.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikUkraine to Buy 16 Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets for €2.5 Billion
Ukraine has agreed to purchase 16 Saab Gripen fighter jets from Sweden, valued at approximately 2.5 billion euros. The deal was announced amid Ukraine's ongoing defense needs against Russian aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated deliveries would begin in 2027, while Swedish defense contractor Saab projects a later timeline, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 to 2030. The purchase marks a significant enhancement of Ukraine's air force capabilities, equipping it with advanced Western-made multirole combat aircraft. The discrepancy in timelines may reflect differing operational readiness and production schedules. The acquisition was reported by the German newspaper Die Welt.
Nachrichten - WELTSweden Orders Gripen E Fighters for Ukraine Under $2.5 Billion Contract
Swedish defense firm Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration to provide 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine, valued at approximately SEK 24.6 billion ($2.5 billion). The deal includes spare parts and equipment. Deliveries of the new jets are scheduled between 2029 and 2030, following the handover of 16 older Gripen C/Ds slated for early 2027. The Gripen E is Sweden's most advanced fighter, featuring a larger fuselage, more powerful F414 engine, AESA radar, and compatibility with Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles. The aircraft is specifically designed for dispersed operations from short runways and roads, making it well-suited for Ukraine's wartime needs. Ukrainian pilots are already practicing highway operations. This acquisition will significantly boost Ukraine's air defense capabilities, providing a world-class fighter to protect its territory.
TWZGripen E Fighters Officially Ordered By Ukraine
Swedish defense firm Saab announced a contract to provide 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine, signed with the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) and valued at approximately $2.5 billion. The Gripen E represents a major capability boost over the older Gripen C/Ds, featuring a larger fuselage, more fuel, a General Electric F414 engine, 10 hardpoints, AESA radar (Leonardo ES-05 Raven), infrared search and track, and compatibility with Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles. Handover of 16 Gripen C/Ds from Swedish stocks is slated for early 2027, while the newer Gripen Es are scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2030. Saab emphasizes the Gripen's suitability for dispersed operations from roads and improvised airstrips, aligning with Ukrainian tactics.
TWZUkraine and Sweden Sign Gripen E Fighter Purchase Deal
Sweden and Ukraine have signed an agreement for the procurement of Gripen E fighter jets for Ukraine's Air Force, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2029. The signing ceremony was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The deal includes associated equipment, logistics, and technical support. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already training in Sweden. Separately, a previously confirmed transfer of 16 Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden's active fleet as a donation will begin deliveries in early 2027, part of Stockholm's 22nd military support package valued at SEK 25.2 billion ($2.7 billion). The Gripen E acquisition will be financed through the EU's Ukraine Support Loan, with Ukraine allocating €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) for up to 20 aircraft, though reporting by Militarnyi cites 16 aircraft. The Gripen is noted for its suitability to Ukraine's dispersed-operations doctrine due to its design for short-runway and highway strip operations.
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