UK pledges €300 million to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen fighter jets

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced during a visit to Kyiv on 16 July 2026 that the United Kingdom will provide €300 million (about $345 million) to help Ukraine field a squadron of 16 Saab Gripen E fighter jets by 2029. The funding, part of a broader €300 million aid package, will be delivered in cooperation with Sweden, which has already signed a contract for the aircraft valued at roughly €24.6 billion. The UK contribution covers the purchase of the jets, training for Ukrainian pilots and engineers, simulators, spare parts and other support equipment. Starmer said, “Today’s investment will help put advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies, strengthening their ability to defend their country while supporting thousands of skilled jobs here at home.” The programme is expected to sustain around 5,000 jobs across more than 50 UK firms, including Saab UK and Leonardo UK. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer for the “steadfast respect” shown to Ukrainian fighters. Starmer also reaffirmed that British support for Ukraine will continue after his departure and the incoming premiership of Andy Burnham.