Ukraine Will Purchase 16 Gripen E Fighter Jets from Sweden: When Will the Aircraft Arrive, and How Will They Strengthen Air Defense?
30 June 22:52
Ukraine and Sweden have signed an agreement for the purchase of 16 JAS 39 Gripen E multi-role fighter jets. The new fighter jets are expected to begin arriving in the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2029. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing of the agreement on his Telegram channel, and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense also reported the news, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The agreement was signed on June 30 in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of the two countries’ defense ministries.
On the Ukrainian side, the document was signed by Deputy Minister of Defense Serhiy Boev and Director of the Defense Procurement Agency Arsen Zhumadilov.
The Swedish side was represented by Mikael Granholm, Director General of the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV).
According to the Ministry of Defense, the contract provides for the purchase of 16 single-seat JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets.
This is a newer version of the Swedish fighter jet, equipped with a modern radar system, an electronic warfare suite, and the capability to launch long-range Meteor missiles.
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When will the Gripen E aircraft arrive in Ukraine?
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine will receive the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as early as the beginning of 2027.
“Also, as part of previous agreements with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft will be delivered to our Air Force as early as the beginning of 2027,” the president wrote.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed defense cooperation with Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonsson, including the Drone Deal program and joint work on anti-ballistic systems.
According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the aircraft will be purchased with funds from a Eurocredit loan and with support from the United Kingdom. Deliveries of these aircraft will begin in early 2029.
In addition to the aircraft, the agreement covers:
- ground equipment;
- maintenance;
- pilot training;
- training for engineers and mechanics;
- logistical support;
- spare parts;
- ensuring aircraft operations.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that Ukrainian crews and technical specialists are already undergoing training with the support of partners.
As Fedorov noted, the Gripen is capable of carrying Meteor missiles, so it could become one of the key factors in Ukraine’s technological advantage. First and foremost, this would allow for earlier detection of threats, more effective countermeasures against enemy aircraft, and the ability to engage air targets at long range.
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