Ukraine and Sweden sign a long-term deal for up to 150 Gripen fighter jets for Kyiv

On the eve of the EU summit, Ukraine and Sweden signed a deal Wednesday for up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets for Kyiv over the next decade, with the first deliveries expected in 2026.

Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on Wednesday for a potential deal to supply up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets to Kyiv over the coming years.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Linköping, home to the defence company Saab, which produces Gripen jets and other weapons.

Kristersson clarified that the memorandum was not aimed at any immediate new supplies.

“This is the start of a long journey of 10-15 years,” the Swedish prime minister said, pointing out that the deal concerns the most modern jet variant. Therefore, production capacity remains limited.

“A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to make sure Ukraine can fight back against Russia’s aggression”, Kristersson said on X.

Zelenskyy said the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft are “one of the most effective elements” when it comes to strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Swedish media reported that this Gripen model was used in direct combat for the first time this year, when Thailand deployed fighter jets in confrontations with Cambodia.

Before that these jets were mainly used for air policing. They were deployed to Poland in 2025 as part of a NATO mission to patrol allied airspace. Gripens were also used to enforce the NATO no-fly zone in Libya in 2014.

“We count on the first deliveries of Gripens already in 2026,” Zelenskyy said, previously noting that Ukrainian pilots have already begun training on the Swedish planes.

“We also discussed the situation with air defence and the implementation of the PURL initiative. Special attention was given to Ukraine’s energy sector, with urgent needs arising from Russia’s ongoing attacks on our energy infrastructure,” he added.

Ukraine’s president also stated that Kyiv and Stockholm have “coordinated positions ahead of this week’s meetings in Europe, the European Council session in Brussels and the Coalition of the Willing in London”.

“It is crucial to remain united in our decisions to achieve the results we aim for”, Zelenskyy said one day before the EU summit, which will focus on the issues of defence and security for Ukraine and also for Europe./Euronews/