Sweden has announced a significant military support package for Ukraine, which includes the transfer of 32 Gripen fighter jets. The package comprises a mix of donated aircraft and new commercial acquisitions to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing international media reports, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed the details ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. The Prime Minister stated that Ukraine has signed a contract to purchase 16 new-generation Gripen E fighters. Additionally, Sweden will donate 16 existing Gripen C/D fighters as part of a separate military aid package. "Thus, a total of 32 fighter jets will be delivered to Ukraine," Kristersson emphasized, noting that continued support for Kyiv remains a primary priority for Stockholm.
The Saab Group, the manufacturer of the Gripen aircraft, previously announced that it signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on June 30 for the supply of the 16 Gripen E fighters. This order, valued at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish krona (2.54 billion US dollars), is scheduled for finalization in the third quarter of 2026, with deliveries expected between 2029 and 2030. The donated Gripen C/D models are slated for delivery to Ukraine by early 2027. This development marks a substantial enhancement in Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities, as the country continues to seek advanced Western military hardware to counter ongoing security threats.
