Saab has officially signed a landmark contract to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine in a deal valued at $2.5 billion. The project will be financed through a European Union loan, with strategic support from the United Kingdom. The agreement was finalized during Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson’s official visit to Kyiv, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to bolster the nation’s defense capabilities.
Delivery timelines and military aid: The first Gripen jets will reach the front lines by 2027
According to the plan established between Stockholm and Kyiv, deliveries for the advanced Gripen E variant are scheduled to begin in early 2029. The package includes not only the aircraft but also essential spare parts and technical assistance. However, Ukraine will receive a significant boost much sooner: the first 16 jets in the Gripen C/D versions will be delivered as military aid as early as the beginning of 2027.
Preparations are already well underway, with Ukrainian pilots currently undergoing specialized training programs in Sweden. This stage is crucial for the rapid integration of the new aerial platforms into the Ukrainian combat structure, which aims, in the long term, to build a modern fleet of up to 150 fighter jets.
The London-Stockholm industrial axis: Critical components and thousands of jobs in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom plays a central role in the industrial development of these jets, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project between Sweden, the United States, and the British industry. Over 30% of the components for each Gripen aircraft, including vital systems such as the radar and landing gear, are manufactured in the United Kingdom.
This involvement holds not only a military stake but also a major economic one, supporting over 5,000 jobs across British facilities. The partnership demonstrates a deep integration of European defense industries, providing Ukraine with access to cutting-edge technology that combines Swedish innovation with British and American technical expertise.
