Ukraine finalises deal for 16 Swedish Gripen E fighter jets

Ukraine and Sweden have signed a contract for the purchase of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter jets. The agreement, signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, is valued at about 24.6 billion Swedish crowns (≈ $2.5 billion). Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled for 2029‑2030 through Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and will include spare parts, equipment and logistical support. In parallel, Sweden will donate 16 older Gripen C/D jets, expected in early 2027, to bolster Ukraine’s air defence immediately. The purchase is financed by a European Union loan with backing from the United Kingdom, and Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are already training in Sweden. Swedish officials called the deal a “significant step for Ukraine’s freedom and European security,” while Zelenskyy said it will markedly strengthen Ukraine’s air‑defence capability.