Ukraine has officially selected the Swedish multirole fighter Saab Gripen E as the foundation of its future combat fleet, signing a letter of understanding with the Swedish government that envisions the acquisition of between 100 and 150 aircraft worth more than 12 billion U.S. dollars. According to CNN, this marks the first significant proposal from a NATO member to deliver a large number of fighter jets to Kyiv.
The document was signed on October 22 in Linköping by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Both leaders emphasized that the agreement represents the start of “a new and truly meaningful chapter” not only in bilateral relations but also in the broader context of European security cooperation. “We are opening an entirely new and very meaningful chapter in our relations — between Ukraine and Sweden, and for European security as a whole,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
During his visit to Saab’s headquarters, Zelenskyy described the Gripen as “a priority for our army,” adding: “These are very powerful and versatile aircraft capable of performing a wide range of missions.” Prime Minister Kristersson said the agreement would strengthen “not only Ukraine and Sweden, but also Europe as a whole.”
Although the exact number of aircraft, cost, and delivery timeline have yet to be finalized, both sides confirmed the plan’s long-term strategic importance. If fully implemented, Ukraine would become the largest operator of Gripen E fighters worldwide.
Sweden, which joined NATO in 2024 alongside Finland after decades of military non-alignment, has emerged as a key ally in Ukraine’s efforts to build a modern air force. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine has relied primarily on Soviet-era aircraft such as the Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, and MiG-29. While Western countries have supplied F-16s from Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands, along with French Mirage 2000s, these deliveries have not been sufficient to counter Russian air superiority.
As reported by CNN, the Gripen E is considered one of the best-suited aircraft for Ukraine’s operational environment. Known for its relatively low maintenance and operating costs, the jet can take off and land from improvised runways — even ordinary roads. The latest Gripen version features upgraded radar and communications systems, enhanced sensors, advanced networking capabilities that allow aircraft to coordinate missile launches, and built-in AI functions. Saab describes the Gripen E as “a game changer,” equipped with ten hardpoints for weapons and capable of deploying long-range MBDA Meteor missiles.
Ukrainian pilots have already trained on older Gripen variants and simulators, raising expectations that Kyiv may first receive surplus Gripen C/D aircraft before deliveries of the E model begin within about three years. Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Sweden that he hopes Ukrainian forces can start operating Gripens as early as next year.
Sweden has been among the largest military donors to Ukraine, providing artillery, anti-tank weapons, and most recently announcing plans to send airborne early warning aircraft to enhance the effectiveness of allied fighters.
Defense analysts have long regarded the Gripen as an ideal solution for Ukraine due to its flexibility, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with modern Western weapon systems. Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute in London said the Gripen E “offers the best mix of combat capabilities and operational adaptability for the needs of Ukraine’s air force.”
The Gripen announcement comes just days after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Ukraine’s request for Tomahawk cruise missiles, explaining that their operation requires “a minimum of six months, usually a year, of training.”
As CNN notes, the agreement between Ukraine and Sweden could become one of Europe’s most significant defense initiatives of the coming decade, with its success depending on political will, financing, and the eventual outcome of the ongoing war.
