Ukraine Secures Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets Following Zelensky’s Visit

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sweden on May 28, 2026, to secure agreements for the acquisition of Saab Gripen fighter jets for the Ukrainian Air Force. The visit focused on the procurement of the Gripen E/F model, which represents the latest iteration of the Swedish multi-role combat aircraft.

Ukraine is acquiring 20 Gripen E/F fighter jets through a European loan mechanism. This financial arrangement allows Kyiv to integrate advanced aviation capabilities into its defense structure while utilizing credit lines provided by European partners.

The Swedish government confirmed that the first Gripen aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine in 2027. The delivery schedule is intended to provide a phased transition as Ukrainian pilots and ground crews undergo training on the Swedish platforms.

During his visit to Stockholm, President Zelenskyy described the agreement as a big step for the country’s aerial defense capabilities. The acquisition is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Ukrainian Air Force with Western-standard aircraft to counter aerial threats and establish air superiority over contested territories.

The Gripen E/F is a 4.5-generation fighter designed by Saab. Unlike many other Western fighters, the Gripen is specifically engineered for versatility and cost-efficiency, featuring a design that allows it to operate from short, improvised runways or reinforced road strips. This capability is particularly relevant for Ukraine, where primary airbases have been frequent targets of long-range strikes.

The E-series Gripen includes several technical upgrades over previous versions, including a more powerful General Electric F414 engine and an advanced AESA radar system. These systems enhance the aircraft’s ability to detect and track multiple targets at longer ranges and improve its electronic warfare capabilities.

While the immediate acquisition involves 20 aircraft via a European loan, separate reports indicate that Ukraine’s long-term procurement goals may extend to 150 Swedish fighters. These broader targets would involve a multi-year acquisition plan to fully replace Soviet-era aviation fleets with a standardized Swedish fleet.

The use of European loans for these acquisitions reflects a shift in how military aid is delivered to Ukraine. Rather than relying solely on direct grants or donations of older aircraft, the loan model allows for the purchase of new-production aircraft, such as the E/F model, which offer higher performance and longer operational lifespans.

Sweden’s decision to provide these aircraft follows its integration into NATO and a deepening of its bilateral defense relationship with Ukraine. The Swedish government has previously provided various forms of military support, but the provision of frontline combat aircraft marks a significant escalation in the technical nature of the assistance.

The integration of the Gripen will require the establishment of specialized maintenance hubs and the training of Ukrainian technicians in Sweden. The Gripen’s relatively low maintenance requirements compared to other multi-role fighters are cited as a primary reason for its selection, as it reduces the logistical burden on the Ukrainian military.

The arrival of the jets in 2027 will follow the existing efforts to integrate other Western aircraft, such as the F-16, into the Ukrainian Air Force. The addition of the Gripen E/F is expected to diversify Ukraine’s aerial arsenal, providing a mix of platforms capable of different mission profiles, from air-to-air combat to precision ground strikes.

The agreement reached on May 28, 2026, includes provisions for the supply of compatible munitions and missiles, ensuring that the aircraft are fully operational upon delivery. The Swedish defense industry, led by Saab, will be responsible for the production and delivery of the airframes and the accompanying technical support packages.