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Ukraine Secures 16 Swedish Gripen Jets, EU Loan Backed

7/1/2026

Summary

Ukraine Secures Gripens

Ukraine and Sweden signed a Kyiv contract for 16 Gripen E jets.
The SEK 24.6 billion ($2.5 billion) purchase is funded by an EU loan with UK backing.
Deliveries are set for 2029-2030, with Sweden donating 16 Gripen C/D jets in 2027 and training Ukrainian pilots in Sweden.
British firms will supply radar and landing-gear for 30% of each jet, supporting 5,000 jobs and marking the first step toward Ukraine’s 150-jet goal.

Summary

Saab Partners Ukraine

Saab signed an MOU with Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom at the Munich Security Conference to cooperate on aviation and surveillance.
Gripen E fighters can carry Meteor missiles, giving Ukraine air-to-air reach beyond 200 km and fitting its dispersed, short-runway bases.
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Gripen programme will speed integration of weapons such as IRIS-T, AIM-9, AIM-120 and Meteor.
The deal also includes a drone cooperation component and joint work on European anti-ballistic defence.

History

Historical Context

Sweden’s Gripen entered export markets after forming Gripen International in 2001 and delivering the first Czech batch in 2005, a move that proved NATO-compatible. Sweden assumed full marketing of the aircraft in 2004 after BAE reduced its stake. A 2025 Letter of Intent let Ukraine plan up to 150 jets, and on 30 June 2026 Ukraine signed a contract for 16 Gripen E fighters.

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Ukraine Secures Gripens

Ukraine and Sweden signed a Kyiv contract for 16 Gripen E jets.
The SEK 24.6 billion ($2.5 billion) purchase is funded by an EU loan with UK backing.
Deliveries are set for 2029-2030, with Sweden donating 16 Gripen C/D jets in 2027 and training Ukrainian pilots in Sweden.
British firms will supply radar and landing-gear for 30% of each jet, supporting 5,000 jobs and marking the first step toward Ukraine’s 150-jet goal.

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