Sweden and Ukraine have signed a preliminary agreement for the potential supply of up to 150 advanced Gripen E fighter jets to Kyiv, marking a significant step in bolstering Ukraine’s air capabilities against Russian aggression. The deal, inked on Wednesday, represents the first major offer from a NATO member for such a large-scale jet transfer and could reshape European security dynamics.
The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Linköping, Sweden, home to defense manufacturer Saab. Signed as a letter of intent, it outlines the potential delivery of 100 to 150 Saab Gripen E aircraft, though exact terms, costs, and delivery schedules remain subject to further negotiation. Both leaders emphasized the deal’s transformative potential, with Zelensky calling it a “new chapter” in bilateral relations and Kristersson highlighting its importance for European security.
This development addresses Ukraine’s urgent need to modernize its aging, Soviet-era air force, which has struggled to counter Russian air superiority since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Western nations have previously provided older models like F-16s and French Mirages, but these have proven insufficient. The Gripen E, a multi-role fighter, is particularly well-suited to Ukraine’s combat conditions due to its reliability, ease of maintenance, and ability to operate from austere airstrips, including roads.
The Gripen E variant, which entered service with the Swedish Air Force earlier this month, features significant upgrades such as advanced radar, communication systems, and embedded AI capabilities. It can network sensors across the fleet for coordinated missile launches and has 10 hard points for attaching air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. Experts note that its design allows for cost-effective operations in rugged environments, making it ideal for Ukraine’s defense needs.
Ukrainian pilots have already begun training on Gripen simulators and older models, raising the possibility of interim deployments before the E variants arrive. Zelensky expressed optimism that initial deliveries could begin in 2026, but Kristersson cautioned that full implementation might take 10-15 years due to production constraints. If completed, Ukraine could become the world’s largest operator of Gripen E jets, alongside countries like Brazil and Hungary.
The deal strengthens Sweden’s role as a NATO member, following its accession in 2024, and underscores broader European support for Ukraine. It comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and a recent setback for Zelensky, who was denied long-range Tomahawk missiles by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Gripen agreement thus provides an alternative boost to Ukraine’s defensive arsenal without relying solely on U.S. assistance.
Broader implications include enhanced NATO cohesion and a signal of sustained Western commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. The timing, just before an EU summit focused on defense, highlights the strategic alignment between Ukraine and European partners. Zelensky noted the importance of unity in upcoming discussions, while Kristersson reiterated Sweden’s dedication to helping Ukraine resist Russian aggression.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to detailed negotiations on financing, production timelines, and international coordination. The deal not only aims to equip Ukraine for long-term defense but also reinforces European security architecture against future threats. As the conflict persists, this agreement could play a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine’s air power and deterring further escalation.