Gripen, SCALP and drone deal: What weapons Ukraine's allies pledged on Independence Day
Photo: Saab JAS-39C Gripen fighter jet (Wikipedia)
Ahead of and on Independence Day, Ukraine's partners announced several major defense initiatives, from preparations to deploy Gripen fighter jets to the transfer of SCALP missile technology and new agreements on joint drone production. RBC-Ukraine has compiled what is known about the announcements of new weapons and military support for Ukraine.
Key points
- Gripens for air defense. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Swedish Gripen fighter jets are being prepared to become part of Ukraine's air defense. He discussed the issue with Sweden's foreign minister, who arrived in Kyiv on Independence Day.
- SCALP technology from Britain. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for his first foreign visit since taking office and authorized MBDA to provide Ukraine with classified information about British components of the SCALP missile.
- Drone deal with Norway. Ukraine and Norway officially signed an agreement on cooperation in unmanned systems, opening opportunities for joint weapons production.
- 90/10 formula with Finland. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said an agreement on joint drone production is nearing its final stage, with 90% of the output going to Ukraine and 10% remaining in Finland.
Sweden: Gripens being prepared for combat missions
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Swedish multirole Gripen fighter jets will become a full-fledged part of Ukraine's air defense, with preparations already underway. He made the statement after talks with his Swedish counterpart, Maria Malmer Stenergard, who arrived in Kyiv on Independence Day.
According to Sybiha, the sides discussed the key joint task facing Ukraine and its allies: protecting the country from Russian ballistic attacks. Kyiv, he said, is doing everything possible to establish a Coalition for Countering Ballistic Missiles that would help coordinate the delivery of additional interceptors to Ukraine.
"Swedish Gripen fighter jets, which have exceptional capabilities, are being prepared to defend Ukrainian skies. We discussed the timeline for implementing the agreements between our leaders, as well as the ongoing work on the bilateral Drone Deal," the minister said.
The sides also discussed the need to neutralize Russian threats in the Black Sea and ensure freedom of navigation and uninterrupted grain exports.
Britain: new prime minister's first foreign visit is to Kyiv
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for his first foreign visit since taking office, on Ukraine's Independence Day.
The British government authorized defense company MBDA to disclose classified information about the British components of the SCALP long-range missile — the French version of Britain's Storm Shadow, as both missiles use shared French and British technologies.
The decision will allow France and Ukraine to establish local missile assembly directly in Ukraine. Britain was the first country to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons for defensive purposes in 2023. The latest move builds on Britain's broader efforts to develop affordable long-range weapons for Ukraine under the Brakestop project.
"On the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, the Ukrainian people should have no doubt: Britain stands with you today and for as long as it takes," Burnham said, adding that Ukraine's security is Britain's security.
In Kyiv, the prime minister will take part in Independence Day events and chair a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing for the first time.
Norway: drone deal officially signed
Ukraine and Norway have agreed to strengthen cooperation on unmanned systems and defense technologies, with the two countries signing a drone deal. Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi announced the agreement.
"Today, Ukraine and Norway signed a drone deal that strengthens cooperation between our defense sectors and opens up new opportunities for joint production and the development of defense technologies," Koretskyi wrote.
The sides also discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense, preparations for the winter and financial stability. Koretskyi separately thanked Norway for its decision to maintain its support for Ukraine under the Nansen program at around $9 billion in 2027.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed the signing during the Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight summit in Kyiv, calling the Drone Deal with Norway a "strategic document." More than 20 countries are interested in joining Ukraine's drone deal, while Norway has become the 10th country to sign such an agreement.
Finland: 90% of drones to go to Ukraine
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said at the Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Eight summit in Kyiv that his country is close to signing an agreement with Ukraine on joint drone production, under which the vast majority of the weapons produced would go to Ukraine's armed forces.
"I'm looking forward to the results, but it seems that one of the companies has already mentioned a figure for the number of drones that could be produced in Finland, and I think the deal will be based on what is roughly a 90/10 ratio. So 90% of the production goes to Ukraine, while 10% stays in Finland," Stubb said.
The day before, Ukraine and Finland signed three memorandums of cooperation with Zelenskyy and Stubb taking part. The agreements provide for the development and production of drones in Finland for Ukraine and European needs, the development of maritime unmanned systems, and the creation of a joint venture to produce unmanned ground vehicles.
Executives from seven leading Finnish companies — Patria, Nokia, Insta, Boomeranger, Nest AI, Sensofusion and ICEYE — arrived in Kyiv for the talks.
"From the very beginning of this war, you have stood with us. And now, as our military and defense sector has grown, we can cooperate. We have started joint production, and we have not just agreements or papers — we have real tools and real results," Zelenskyy said.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said how many Gripen fighter jets Ukraine will receive and explained when this would happen, saying preparations are moving significantly faster than initially expected.
