Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on 7 November that Ukraine plans to localize production of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets starting in 2033, according to a government briefing.
The announcement follows an agreement between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. On 6 November, the defense ministries of both countries worked out the details of the deal, which includes negotiations for the supply of 150 Gripen E/F class aircraft.
"Yesterday, a memorandum was also signed between one of the Ukrainian companies and Saab regarding the future localization of Gripens in Ukraine," Shmyhal said. "We expect that from 2033, the Gripen will be significantly localized in Ukraine, its production – from large-unit assembly to localization of individual parts."
Shmyhal added that discussions are ongoing about transferring Gripen C/D class aircraft to Ukraine as soon as possible, with negotiations focusing on 2026 as a potential delivery date.
Ukraine and Sweden have agreed to establish two working groups. The first, a technical group, will handle preparations for receiving the fighters and their deployment in Ukraine. The second, a financial group, will work on contract details.
On 22 October, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent regarding the purchase of at least 100 Gripen aircraft for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The first fighters could arrive in Ukraine as early as 2026, with payment proposed through frozen Russian assets.
Saab AB executive Micael Johansson told the Financial Times on October 27 that the company is considering establishing a facility in Ukraine to assemble Gripen fighters.
On 6 November, Sweden's Ministry of Defense reported that new Gripens for Ukraine could be partially financed through military assistance.
