DefenseZelensky: Ukraine to Receive First Swedish Gripen E Fighters in 2026
Ukraine expects to receive its first Saab Gripen E fighters from Sweden in 2026 under a new agreement that could see up to 150 aircraft delivered over the next 10 to 15 years.
“Together with Sweden, Ukraine will significantly increase its combat aviation. This is an ambitious task and must be accomplished. Now, a historic step is the agreement with Sweden on Gripen combat aircraft, and this is a good choice. We expect 150 aircraft of this type for Ukraine, and the first ones should arrive next year,” said the Ukrainian president in a message on Telegram.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the deal as part of broader security guarantees for Ukraine, aiming to enhance the country’s air combat capabilities amid ongoing conflict.
The agreement represents the largest potential order for the Gripen E to date. Currently, the Swedish Air Force has 60 units on order, while Brazil has 36 aircraft on order, and Thailand has four jets. Colombia is in advanced negotiations for 16 to 18 units.
Swedish defense minister Pål Jonson indicated that some aircraft might be funded using frozen Russian assets. Financing remains a key issue according to Zelensky, who signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Thursday.
The Gripen E is Saab’s latest multirole fighter and entered official service with Sweden this week. Ukraine’s, current inventory includes US-supplied F-16s, French Mirage 2000s, and two Swedish AEW Saab 340s aircraft.
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