Wire flash
ConflictUK pledges $405 mln for Swedish Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
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.
Source report
The UK government has announced a €300 million ($405 million) investment to support the delivery of 16 Swedish Gripen E multirole fighter jets to Ukraine.
Funding Package Details
The funding package, revealed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will contribute to:
- Construction and delivery of the aircraft
- Comprehensive pilot and engineer training
- Simulators
- Spare parts
- Frontline operational equipment
Economic Impact on UK Industry
According to UK Ministry of Defence statements, the UK's participation is expected to support approximately 5,000 skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies involved in the broader Gripen supply chain. These companies range from Saab UK in Fareham to Leonardo UK in Edinburgh.
Contract Background
Late last month, Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalised a contract with Saab for the procurement of 16 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters to equip Ukraine's air forces.
The UK anticipates that its funding will support Ukraine in operating a squadron of 16 Gripen E fighter jets by 2029.
Aircraft Specifications
The Saab Gripen E, powered by a GE F414G engine, is an upgraded version of the earlier JAS 39C and D models. The aircraft is equipped with:
- Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
- Infrared search and track (IRST) system
- Advanced electronic warfare and communications systems
According to the MoD, the aircraft's low maintenance requirements and ability to be operated by relatively small ground crews are considered well-suited to Ukraine's operational environment.
Additionally, Gripen jets have previously demonstrated interoperability with UK and NATO forces, having operated alongside Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft during joint air policing missions in Poland.
Broader UK Military Assistance
The UK's latest commitment forms part of a wider strategy to provide extensive military assistance to Ukraine, including:
- Previously announced deliveries of 150,000 drones and thousands of air defence missiles in 2024
- £3 billion in total UK military aid this year
The UK also continues to co-lead the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, coordinating international support for the Ukrainian armed forces.
Prime Minister's Statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
"Today's investment will help put advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies, strengthening their ability to defend their country while supporting thousands of skilled jobs here at home.
>
"From British engineers to Ukrainian pilots, this is our partnership in action, building Ukraine's long-term security, strengthening Britain's defence industry, and showing Putin that we are not going anywhere."
Source
Airforce TechnologyWestern
Part of this Story
Sweden and Ukraine Sign $2.5B Deal for 16 Gripen E Fighter Jets