Sweden sends Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine
Photo: Ukraine to receive Gripen fighter jets (Getty Images)
Sweden is officially transferring 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and will sell 22 more new aircraft, as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a briefing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a declaration on deepening defense cooperation at the Uppsala air base. The previous document — a letter of intent — had been signed during Zelenskyy’s last visit to Sweden.
How many and what kind of aircraft will Ukraine receive
Sweden is transferring 16 Gripen C and D series fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge. Ukraine will also purchase 22 new aircraft of the latest modification.
“We are transferring Gripens. Ukraine will purchase 22 new Gripen models,” Kristersson said.
Negotiations regarding the new aircraft are currently ongoing and are expected to be completed by 2030.
When will Ukraine receive the first aircraft
According to Kristersson, Gripen deliveries will begin in 2027. Zelenskyy, for his part, expects to receive the first aircraft sooner.
“We expect to receive the first Gripens within the next 10 months, and we will do everything possible on our side,” the president said.
Why Gripen specifically
The Swedish side explained why it chose this particular type of aircraft. According to Kristersson, even Soviet-era aircraft could provide some assistance with reconnaissance and radar capabilities, but in the long term, the Gripen is the optimal option for protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Sweden had previously transferred Hawk surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine. Gripen is now expected to become the next step in strengthening the air defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Air defense is what Ukraine needs most right now. We feel this almost every day,” the Swedish prime minister stressed.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will purchase all 150 fighter jets.
“We are counting on these 90 billion (from Europe — ed.). We will do this step by step. We need these aircraft, and for Ukraine, this is a new chapter,” the president said.
Earlier, Sweden explained why supporting Ukraine aligns with its own security interests.
The Gripen sales agreement had been discussed even before the official signing.
