Sweden is preparing to donate a batch of JAS 39 Gripen C/D multirole fighters to Ukraine and to open negotiations on selling Kyiv the newer Gripen E, Swedish daily Aftonbladet reported on 27 May, citing government sources.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is due to set out the plan at a press conference at the Uppland Air Wing on the Uppsala air base on 28 May, where the government said it would present news on international cooperation in aviation. Aftonbladet put the donation at least several combat aircraft.
The C/D models Sweden intends to hand over are already-built aircraft, which would allow faster delivery than the in-production Gripen E/F line. The parallel sales track concerns the latest E variant, and Aftonbladet reported that Ukraine would pay for those aircraft through a European Union loan. Swedish officials have previously floated export credits and frozen Russian assets as additional financing routes for a larger purchase.
Part of a 150-jet ambition
The move builds on a letter of intent that Ukraine and Sweden signed on 22 October 2025, which opened the path to a firm contract for between 100 and 150 Gripen E/F fighters — potentially the largest export order in Saab's history. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in late October 2025 that Ukraine expected its first Gripens in 2026.
Saab is already building a delivery schedule around Ukraine's technical requirements and can produce 20 to 30 aircraft a year, with plans to raise output further. Chief Executive Micael Johansson said in early May 2026 that he expected a Gripen supply agreement within months, adding that the decision rested on political accords between the two governments and that the company could begin work as soon as a contract was approved.
Training and local production
Kyiv and Stockholm discussed launching training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians in December 2025. Ukraine also aims to localize production of the Swedish fighters from 2033, part of a broader push to rebuild its air force during Russia's war on Ukraine.
