Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine. The contract is worth approximately 24.6 billion Swedish kronor and also covers spare parts, materiel, and equipment.
According to a press release from Saab, deliveries to FMV are to be carried out during 2029 and 2030. The deal covers 16 Gripen E aircraft along with associated spare parts, materiel, and equipment.
"I am very proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the delivery of Gripen E to Ukraine and provide the country with a world-class combat aircraft that offers a new level of operational capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defence and help the country continue to protect its population and secure its future," said Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson in the press release.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson writes on X that the sales agreement between Sweden and Ukraine includes training and support, and prepares the ground for the planned donation of 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as part of Sweden's 22nd military aid package. According to Jonson, the objective is for the first Gripen C/D aircraft to begin delivery to Ukraine in early 2027. He also states that the United Kingdom has contributed to making the deal possible.
Jonson further writes that this is the first step in Ukraine's stated ambition to eventually acquire up to 150 Gripen E/F aircraft.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms on X that the two countries have signed the agreement for the acquisition of 16 Gripen E aircraft. He writes that the aircraft will be delivered together with associated equipment, technical support, and assistance, and that the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft, in accordance with previous agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, are to be transferred to the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2027.
According to Zelenskyy, he and Pål Jonson also discussed the implementation of the aircraft deliveries and continued bilateral cooperation, including preparations for the so-called Drone Deal and cooperation on protection against ballistic missiles.