Ukraine and Sweden signed an agreement on June 30 for the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets. The first aircraft will be delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2027.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this.
“Together with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation. Today, our countries signed an agreement for the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets. Importantly, the package includes the aircraft as well as the necessary equipment, technical assistance, and support. In addition, under 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 statement said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Swedish Minister of Defence Pål Jonson for Sweden’s support and cooperation. The sides held detailed discussions on implementing these steps, as well as broader bilateral cooperation, including preparations for a Drone Deal and work on anti-ballistic capabilities.
“I thank Sweden—the entire Swedish people and government—for this meaningful partnership and unwavering support since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Together, we are working to strengthen the security of Ukraine and all of Europe,” Zelensky said.
According to the President’s Office, in the presence of the President and the defence ministers of Ukraine and Sweden, the document was signed by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defence Serhii Boiev and Director General of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration Mikael Granholm.
The first deliveries of the 16 Gripen E fighter jets are scheduled to begin in early 2029. The purchase will be financed through a European Union loan with support from the United Kingdom.
In addition, Ukraine will receive the first 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets as military aid from Sweden in early 2027. Under the agreement, Ukraine will also receive aircraft equipment, technical assistance, and logistics support. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is already underway in Sweden.
The President thanked the Swedish side for implementing the agreements on the delivery of Gripen fighter jets that were reached during his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in May. Zelensky stressed that the Gripen agreement would strengthen Ukraine’s Armed Forces and enhance the country’s air capabilities.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said that the decision to supply Gripen aircraft marks a turning point for the future of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The meeting also focused on further strengthening Ukraine’s combat aviation and air defence, including Sweden’s participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program and additional contributions to it, as well as cooperation on the development of European anti-ballistic capabilities.
The sides also discussed preparations for a Drone Deal. According to Zelensky, Ukraine is ready to sign the agreement with Sweden as soon as possible.
The President briefed the Swedish minister on the battlefield situation, the successful operations carried out by Ukrainian forces, and the plans of the Defence Forces. Pål Jonson praised Ukraine’s achievements on the frontline.
The two sides also discussed the challenges Ukraine faces in preparing for winter and the areas in which Sweden could provide additional assistance.
Particular attention was also given to Ukraine’s progress toward full membership in the European Union. Sweden fully supports Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
“We are grateful to have such strong partners—the Swedish people, the Swedish government, and Swedish companies. A strong private sector is also extremely important. Thank you very much for that, and for the annual military assistance and defence packages, which are of great importance. Of course, political support on Ukraine’s path to the EU is equally important. Sweden has truly become an advocate for Ukraine’s future membership,” the President said.
