Ukraine set to receive superior to F-16 Gripens with Meteors
Photo: Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet (Getty Images)
Ukraine and Sweden discussed providing Kyiv with new military assistance, including the future delivery of Gripen fighter jets and long-range air-defense Meteor missiles, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
The ministry said Sweden is preparing one of the largest military aid packages for Ukraine. It will include air-defense systems, Saab radars, electronic warfare systems, and drones, including those capable of deep-strike missions.
Separately, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov discussed several key issues with his Swedish counterpart Pål Jonson, including:
- Countering ballistic missiles through the PURL program
- Launching the Brave-Sweden defense innovation program (modeled after Ukraine's Brave1)
- Delivery of Gripen fighter jets and long-range Meteor missiles.
Gripens and Meteors: What's known
Gripen E (Saab JAS 39E) is a modern, multi-purpose Swedish fighter jet designed for air, ground, and maritime missions. It intercepts enemy aircraft and conducts precision strikes. See more details about these Swedish aircraft here.
Ukraine has long expressed interest in Swedish jets. The Gripen program issue remains relevant even as the Ukrainian Armed Forces operate American F-16s and French Mirage fighters.
In 2023, Sweden allowed Ukrainian pilots to train on Gripen jets. The Swedish parliament later approved the supply of these aircraft to Ukraine, laying the groundwork for eventual delivery.
Along with the Swedish jets, Ukraine plans to receive the MBDA Meteor, NATO's longest-range air-to-air missile, with a range exceeding 200 kilometers—far greater than the capabilities of Ukraine's current F-16 fleet.
The missile can be deployed on used Gripen C/D jets, which Ukraine aims to acquire in 2026. Targeting will be provided by Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, two of which Sweden has also pledged to deliver.
Regarding newer models of Swedish fighter jets, in October 2025, Kyiv and Stockholm agreed on a large defense deal under which Sweden will supply 120–150 modern Saab JAS 39E Gripen E fighter jets.
The jets will be manufactured over the next 15 years, with Ukraine expected to receive the first aircraft in three years. If funding falls short, the deal could be financed using frozen Russian assets. However, due to the long wait for the new jets, Ukraine is also seeking to acquire used Gripen C/D aircraft in the interim.
