Sweden will sell new Gripen E/F aircraft to Ukraine and simultaneously donate Gripen C/D aircraft from the Swedish Air Force. The announcement was presented by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their meeting in Uppsala (eastern Sweden) on 28 May, and was formalised the same day through Sweden's 22nd support package to Ukraine.
According to a press release from the Swedish government, Ukraine intends to purchase up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft as a first step following the letter of intent the two countries signed in October 2025. Negotiations are ongoing between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Ukraine, with the aim of signing a contract as soon as possible. Deliveries of the Gripen E/F are expected to begin before 2030.
In connection with the sale, Sweden will donate up to 16 JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft from the Swedish Armed Forces' existing fleet. The donation is conditional on Ukraine completing the purchase of the Gripen E/F, and also includes IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles, among other items. The government states that the first Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to be available for use by Ukraine as early as next year.
The donation also includes training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians, as well as support for the operation and sustainment of the systems. To replace the aircraft donated to Ukraine, Sweden will simultaneously procure new Gripen E/F aircraft for the Swedish Air Force.
When Kristersson and Zelenskyy met at Upplands flygflottilj air base in Uppsala, the government had announced in advance that news related to the aviation domain would be presented. Ahead of the meeting, Zelenskyy wrote on X that Ukraine and Sweden were preparing a new defence package and a "strong step" regarding the Gripen system.
NDS reported the same day that Ukraine intended to purchase 20 Gripen E aircraft as an initial acquisition, while Sweden planned to donate 16 Gripen C aircraft. At the press conference, Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine sees a longer-term need for additional Gripen aircraft.
The Gripen question has been under consideration since autumn 2023, when the government tasked the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) with analysing the conditions for donating or exporting the combat aircraft to Ukraine. Since then, pilot training programmes have been conducted, working groups established, and several bilateral agreements signed between the two countries.
According to the government, the value of the Gripen component of the support package amounts to approximately 22.2 billion Swedish kronor. The total value of support package 22 is 25.2 billion kronor, and also encompasses ammunition, electronic warfare materiel, innovation cooperation, research support from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), and support for Ukraine's civil defence.
According to a press release from Saab, the company will support the ongoing negotiations between Swedish and Ukrainian authorities regarding the acquisition of the Gripen E/F. Saab has not yet signed any contract related to the deal.
"I am very proud of today's announcement that Sweden and Ukraine, together with Saab, are taking further steps towards giving Ukraine access to the Gripen, the world's most advanced combat aircraft. We look forward to supporting Ukraine's acquisition of the Gripen and the Swedish authorities as they now move to replace the aircraft being donated," said Saab's President and CEO Micael Johansson.
GKN Aerospace, which is responsible for the development, availability, and maintenance of the Gripen's RM12 engine and is building equivalent capability for the RM16 engine for the Gripen E/F, also welcomed the announcement.
"We view today's announcement very positively, as Sweden and Ukraine take further steps forward in the process surrounding the Gripen. We at GKN Aerospace are ready to contribute our expertise to ensure the availability and airworthiness of the engines," said Sara Eklöf, Acting Head of Business Area Governmental Solutions at GKN Aerospace in Sweden.
