Saab Seals Historic Deal: Gripen E Jets for Ukraine
- On Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reaffirmed plans to deliver 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2027, including full logistics and technical support packages.
- Sweden engineered the JAS 39 Gripen during the Cold War to survive potential Soviet strikes by dispersing onto rural roads and improvised airfields, a doctrine directly addressing Ukraine's vulnerability to Russian missile attacks on fixed bases.
- Using $2.9 billion from a European Union loan, Ukraine plans to acquire up to 20 newer Gripen E/F jets, with deliveries for this advanced variant scheduled to begin in 2030.
- Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are currently training in Sweden, preparing to integrate NATO-standard weapons and Link 16 tactical datalink architecture upon the aircraft's arrival.
- The acquisition represents a strategic shift toward a standardized, NATO-compatible fighter platform, moving away from a mixed donor fleet; Ukraine aims to localize production of up to 150 Gripen E jets by 2033 under a 2025 letter of intent.
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57 Articles
Ukraine strikes deal for Swedish Gripen fighter jets and seeks missile production licenses from France and the US
Ukraine has signed a deal with Sweden to purchase 16 JAS 39 Gripen E multirole fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced. Along with the aircraft, Kyiv will receive a full set of equipment, technical support, and assistance with operational deployment. The Gripen E is regarded as the most advanced variant of this fighter jet, featuring a more powerful engine, extended flight range, and state-of-the-art radar systems. Another key advan…
Ukraine, Sweden Ink Deal to Strengthen Kyiv's Combat Aviation
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the country's latest partnership with Sweden to strengthen aerial warfare. 'Together with Sweden, we continue strengthening Ukraine's combat aviation. Today, our countries signed an agreement for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets,' announced Zelenskyy on his social media account. 'Importantly, the aircraft will come with a package of related equipmen…
Ukraine is buying 16 Gripen fighter jets from the Swedish defense company Saab for around €2.5 billion. While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has announced that deliveries will begin in 2027, Saab plans to deliver them between 2029 and 2030.
Aftenposten
Saab har signet en contract om levering av 16 fightly av types Gripen til Ukraina. Avtalen he verdt roundt 24.6 billion svenske crowner.
Stockholm will donate an additional 16 Gripen C/Ds, while Kiev plans to acquire up to 150 fighters
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