# Saab Signs Contract for 16 Gripen E Aircraft for Ukraine

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine
- Published: 2026-06-30 · Updated: 2026-07-02
- Author: Jacob Wollheim
- Type: News · Section: Air · Country: sweden
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/saab-signs-agreement-for-16-gripen-e-to-ukraine.md)
- Primary source: https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2026/saab-signs-contract-for-gripen-e-for-ukraine
- Tags: saab, gripen e, gripen c/d, ukraina, fmv, sverige, volodymyr zelenskyj, pål jonson, ulf kristersson, storbritannien, ukraine, swedish armed forces, ukrainian air force, sweden

> Saab has signed a contract worth 24.6 billion kronor with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E combat aircraft to Ukraine, with planned deliveries in 2029 to 2030. This is the first step in Ukraine's ambition to eventually procure up to 150 Gripen E/F aircraft, and as early as 2027 the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to be donated by Sweden to the Ukrainian Air Force.

![JAS 39 Gripen E](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/c9de769c-ec4d-4326-5f0d-0690062fff00/public)
*JAS 39 Gripen E · Saab*

**Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of 16 Gripen E combat 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](https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2026/saab-signs-contract-for-gripen-e-for-ukraine) 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's President and CEO Micael Johansson in the press release.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson [writes on X](https://x.com/PlJonson/status/2072020391636226104) that the sales agreement between Sweden and Ukraine covers training and support, and also 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](https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2072013846550560949) 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 maintenance, and that the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft, in accordance with previous agreements with Swedish 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.

## FAQ

**What is the order value of Saab's contract for Gripen E to Ukraine?**

The order value amounts to approximately SEK 24.6 billion. The contract is signed with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and covers 16 Gripen E combat aircraft. In addition to the aircraft, the deal also includes spare parts, associated equipment, and support materiel. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-30.

**When are deliveries of the Gripen E to Ukraine planned to take place?**

Deliveries of the 16 Gripen E aircraft are planned for 2029 to 2030. Saab states that the order will be recorded in the third quarter of 2026. The contract is signed between Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on behalf of Ukraine. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-30.

**What capabilities does Saab highlight for the Gripen E in connection with the Ukraine deal?**

Saab describes the Gripen E as an aircraft with operational flexibility and the capability for dispersed operations. The system's software-based architecture enables continuous upgrades, and low maintenance requirements along with rapid turnaround time are highlighted as key advantages. Saab's CEO Micael Johansson assesses that the aircraft will transform the Ukrainian Air Force's capability. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-30.

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