Sweden Transfers 16 Gripens to Ukraine, Backs Purchase of Up to 20 More
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 28
Sweden Transfers 16 Gripens to Ukraine, Backs Purchase of Up to 20 More
10 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · May 28
16 used Gripen C/D jets will start reaching Ukraine in early 2027, after Kyiv finalizes a purchase agreement and Sweden secures export approvals, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky in Uppsala.
Up to 20 newer Gripen E fighters are also under negotiation, with Ukraine planning to use 2.5 billion euros from the EU's Ukraine Support Loan mechanism and deliveries potentially starting by 2030.
Within 10 months, Ukraine expects the first capabilities from the program, and Zelensky said pilots have already begun training while Kyiv expands training infrastructure abroad.
Gripen is attractive to Ukraine because it can operate from short runways and highways, be turned around in about 10 minutes, and carry Meteor missiles that analysts say could better threaten Russian Su-34 glide-bomb attacks.
The move broadens Ukraine's Western fighter fleet beyond F-16s and Mirage 2000s, though experts say its battlefield impact will depend on how many aircraft arrive and how quickly.
Can Sweden's Gripen jets survive Russia's advanced S-400s and truly change the air war over Ukraine?
What does Sweden's revived 'Total Defense' plan signal about Europe's readiness for a much wider conflict?
Sweden’s 2026 Gripen Fighter Jet Deal: Transforming Ukraine’s Air Force and Shifting Europe’s Security Landscape
Overview
On May 28, 2026, Sweden announced a major defense package for Ukraine, centered on the transfer of older Gripen fighter jets. This deal is a crucial step in rebuilding Ukraine's air force and boosting its air defense capabilities. The agreement not only provides immediate support but also opens the door for future orders of the latest Gripen models. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians began in late 2025, ensuring smooth integration of the jets into Ukraine’s operations. Importantly, this move gives the Gripen a chance to prove itself in combat, strengthening both Ukraine’s defense and Sweden’s position in the global defense market.