Ukraine signs $2.5 billion contract with Sweden for Gripen E deliveries by 2029

MILAN — Saab has signed a contract to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a deal worth SEK 24.6 billion ($2.5 billion), to be financed through a European Union loan with support from the United Kingdom.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday during a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson during his visit to the war-torn country. Saab clarified in an email statement that they have been contracted by the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for this order.

Under the deal, first agreed between Stockholm and Kyiv in May, the aircraft deliveries will begin in early 2029 and will also include spare parts and technical assistance, with Ukrainian pilots already undergoing training in Sweden, per a statement from Zelensky’s office.

“In addition, Ukraine will receive the first 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets in early 2027 as military assistance from Sweden,” the statement added.

The UK has highlighted its central role in the Gripen jets’ industrial development since the agreement was announced. In a government press release over the weekend, the country said it has committed to manufacturing key components of the aircraft locally, supporting more than 5000 jobs.

“The Gripen is a collaboration between the UK, Sweden, and the US — British companies supply critical components including the radar and landing gear, with over 30% of each aircraft manufactured in the UK,” it said. 

The agreement is a first step in Kyiv’s planned aspirations to purchase up to 150 of the advanced combat jets in the long-term, noted Swedish Minister Jonson in a post on social media.