![\"Gripen](\"https:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260528-en-5372654-1-460x259.jpg\")
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Sweden and Ukraine are taking new steps towards the Gripen<\/a> procurement announced last year. Following a meeting between Sweden\u2019s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine\u2019s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on\u00a0 May 28, 2026, the two countries announced that Ukraine would get an initial package of up to 36 aircraft.<\/p>\n Specifically, Ukraine intends to acquire an initial batch of up to 20 Gripen E\/F fighters and Sweden intends to donate up to 16 Gripen C\/D fighters. It is unclear how many batches of Gripen E\/F will be acquired, with the agreement signed last year<\/a> mentioning between 100 and 150 airframes in total.<\/p>\n Training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians is already underway and will expand this autumn.<\/p>\n Gripen C\/D can be delivered with weapons such as IRIS-T, AMRAAM and the long-range Meteor missile. This is about aircraft, weapons, skills and sustainment. (2\/8)<\/p>\n \u2014 P\u00e5l Jonson (@PlJonson) May 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Sweden\u2019s press release<\/a> about the announcement says that negotiations are ongoing between Sweden\u2019s Defence Materiel Administration and Ukraine, with the goal to conclude an agreement as soon as possible. Delivery of the new Gripens is estimated to begin before 2030.<\/p>\n The press release also mentions that the donation of the older Gripen C\/Ds is conditional on the acquisition of the newer variant. The aircraft might be delivered to Ukraine as early as next year, says Sweden, together with weapons \u201cwhich may consist of IRIS-T missiles, advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAM) and long-range METEOR air-to-air missiles.\u201d<\/p>\n I am grateful to the people and government of Sweden, and personally to @SwedishPM<\/a> Ulf Kristersson, for supporting Ukraine, for their principled stance, and for their readiness to bring a just peace closer through real steps. We continue and expand our cooperation. pic.twitter.com\/9hprvQODaX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Volodymyr Zelenskyy \/ \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0417\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0438\u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) May 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The donation also includes the Swedish support intended for training on and maintenance of the Gripens and the weapons, with a total value of SEK 22.2 billion ($1.4 billion). Training of Ukrainian pilots and other personnel is already underway, says Sweden\u2019s Minister of Defense.<\/p>\n The donated Gripen will be replaced by new Gripens which will be acquired by the Swedish Air Force<\/a>. At present, Saab says<\/a> it \u201chas not signed any contract nor received an order relating to this.\u201d<\/p>\n I am in Sweden today on a working visit. We are preparing a major defense package for Ukraine and a strong step regarding Gripen fighter jets, which will definitely make our combat aviation more effective. Meetings are scheduled today with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/WjwV589PKk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Volodymyr Zelenskyy \/ \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0417\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0438\u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) May 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Gripens are in addition to a larger support pack for Ukraine, valued at SEK 1.5 billion ($161 million), which includes ammunition (such as long-range artillery ammunition), electromagnetic warfare systems, and support for Ukraine\u2019s long-range capability, including command and control systems.<\/p>\n Additionally, the two countries announced a deal for innovation initiatives and industry cooperation, valued at SEK 300 million ($32 million), and for support from the Swedish Defence Research Agency, valued at SEK 100 million ($10.7 million). Finally, two more deals cover multilateral funds and initiatives in support of Ukraine, valued at SEK 1 billion ($107 million), and Support to civil defense, valued at SEK 100 million ($10.7 million).<\/p>\n In a joint press conference held in front of a Gripen E<\/a> aircraft at Saab\u2019s facility in Linkoping, Sweden\u2019s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine\u2019s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Oct. 22, 2025, the mutual signing of a defense cooperation agreement. One part of the agreement confirms Ukraine\u2019s intent to modernize and expand its air force with potentially between 100 and 150 Saab Gripen multirole fighter aircraft.<\/p>\n If confirmed, this would represent Sweden\u2019s largest ever export order. Previously, Ukrainian pilots have already test flown Gripen in Sweden as far back as 2023.<\/p>\n\n
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The 2025 defense cooperation agreement<\/h3>\n
![\"Gripen](\"http:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Swedish-Jas-39-Gripen-for-Ukraine-706x397.jpg\")
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