Military — 2026-06-07

Sweden Agrees to Deliver 36 Gripen Fighters to Ukraine in 2.5 Billion Euro Deal for Air War Against Russia

BLUFDonated Gripens likely bridge a critical gap in Ukraine's fighter capacity before F-16s reach operational scale, but the broader 150-aircraft ambition depends on EU financing Kyiv has yet to secure.

Ukraine and Sweden announced on May 28 that Kyiv will purchase up to 20 Gripen E fighters using €2.5 billion from an EU loan, with Stockholm donating 16 older Gripen aircraft, per the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Swedish government 12. Kristersson, speaking alongside Zelenskyy at Uppsala air base, said the 16 donated aircraft will be delivered in early 2027, with deliveries of the new Gripen E models targeted from 2030 2. The arrangement expands a letter of intent signed in October for 100 to 150 Gripen E aircraft; Zelenskyy stated at the same event that Ukraine aims to secure financing for all 150 2.

Analysis
The road-operable Gripen gives Ukraine dispersal continuity against Russian interdiction before F-16 deliveries achieve operational scale. Sweden will likely meet the March 2027 delivery date. High analytic confidence rests on the joint Uppsala heads-of-government declaration, with no technical barrier cited and no new production requirement. Sourcing is official but thin, with secondary outlets drawing from the same May 28 announcement rather than contributing independent verification. Saab's output of roughly 15 aircraft per year and unresolved EU loan disbursement terms make the 2030 Gripen E deliveries aspirational rather than executable on current trajectories. When Sweden delivers, Ukraine can begin pilot conversion and dispersal basing development, the readiness foundation the 2030 purchase depends on.

3 sources

Ukraine and Sweden Agreed to Launch a Defense Deal Providing for the Procurement of Gripen Fighter Jets - Office of the President of Ukraine
Ukraine to buy up to 20 latest model Gripen jet fighters, Sweden to donate 16 - Euronews
Sweden Moves To Deliver Gripen Fighters As Ukraine Prepares For Air War Test Against Russia - TheDefenseWatch