The first Gripen C/D should be delivered next year and the most recent model should be delivered from 2030.
Sweden will sell up to 20 Gripen E/F fighter planes to Ukraine, financed by European funds, and give it 16 others of an older model, the Gripen C/D to strengthen its defense, the Swedish government announced. The first Gripen C/D should be delivered next year and the most recent model should be delivered from 2030, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine plans funding of 2.5 billion euros for the purchase of fighter planes manufactured by the Swedish defense group Saab, according to the Swedish press release. “This is a historic decision for Sweden, which significantly strengthens Ukraine’s air defense.”a déclaré M. Kristersson.
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A “historic decision”
The two countries signed a letter of intent in October 2025 with the aim of kyiv purchasing 100 to 150 Gripen E aircraft. “We hope to be able to ensure the financing of the whole thing†of 150 copies, Mr. Zelensky said. Sweden suspended its plan to send fighter jets to Ukraine in 2024 after partner countries requested that priority be given to American F-16s. Sweden is a strong supporter of Ukraine and in February estimated its military support at 103 billion crowns (9.5 billion euros) since the start of the Russian invasion in 2002.
The Ukrainian president also indicated that he was awaiting a formal response to his request addressed to Donald Trump and the American Congress to provide him with more missiles for the Patriot anti-aircraft defense systems or licenses to produce them. These American systems remain the only effective weapon to counter the ballistic missiles launched by Moscow.
“We are waiting for a responseâ€said Volodymyr Zelensky, adding that he met with members of Congress and senators on Wednesday. “They support the proposals that have been addressed to Congress and the White House.”he declared, specifying that he “counted on an official response”. “I think they need to act faster. We ask them very insistently. Winter is coming »a dit Volodymyr Zelensky.
