Ukraine is set to strengthen its air defence capabilities with Sweden’s support, as Kyiv announced plans to purchase up to 20 advanced Gripen fighter jets while Stockholm will donate 16 older aircraft to the war-torn nation. The announcement was made during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s surprise visit to Sweden on Thursday. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the two countries aim to finalise an agreement for Ukraine’s purchase of the latest-model Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries expected to begin from 2030.
Ukraine plans to use €2.5 billion from a European Union loan to finance the acquisition, according to the Swedish government. "The aim is to quickly conclude a final agreement with deliveries as of 2030," Kristersson said during a joint press conference with Zelensky at an air base in Uppsala, located around 70 kilometres north of Stockholm. He described the decision as a significant step for Sweden and said the move would substantially strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace.
In addition to the planned purchase of new Gripen E aircraft, Sweden will provide 16 older Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. Kristersson said the donated aircraft are expected to be delivered in early 2027, offering Kyiv additional support as it continues its defence against Russia’s invasion, which began in 2022. The agreement builds on a letter of intent signed by Sweden and Ukraine in October, which outlined Kyiv’s ambition to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E aircraft in the long term. Zelensky said Ukraine hopes to eventually secure financing for the full order.
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"We hope we will be able to secure financing for all of them," Zelensky said, referring to the possibility of purchasing all 150 aircraft included in the broader plan. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly sought advanced military equipment from Western partners to strengthen his country’s defence capabilities. The Gripen fighter, manufactured by Swedish defence company Saab, is designed for modern air combat operations and is known for its ability to operate from shorter runways and dispersed locations. The aircraft is considered suitable for countries that require flexible and cost-effective fighter capabilities.
The latest development marks a change from Sweden’s earlier position on supplying Gripen aircraft to Ukraine. In 2024, Stockholm suspended plans to send the jets after partner countries requested that priority be given to supplying US-made F-16 fighter aircraft to Kyiv. Ukraine has already received F-16 jets from some Western allies, but Kyiv has continued to seek additional aircraft and air defence systems amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. The planned Gripen support is expected to complement Ukraine’s existing fleet and improve its ability to protect critical infrastructure and military positions.
The decision also reflects Sweden’s growing involvement in supporting Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Sweden became a member of NATO in 2024, ending decades of military non-alignment and increasing its role in European security cooperation. The planned Gripen deliveries will depend on final agreements, financing arrangements and production schedules. However, both Sweden and Ukraine have presented the move as a major step towards strengthening Kyiv’s long-term defence capabilities.
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