Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have announced that Ukraine intends to acquire an initial batch of up to 20 Gripen E/F fighter aircraft, while Sweden intends to donate up to 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine. The Swedish Government has also confirmed funding to replace the donated Gripen aircraft within Sweden’s own armed forces.
The next step for the Swedish and Ukrainian authorities will be to conclude negotiations regarding Ukraine’s acquisition of Gripen E/F aircraft, which is expected to proceed in stages. Saab will support the process. Discussions concerning Sweden’s replacement of the donated capability are also expected to begin shortly. Saab has not yet signed any contract or received any order relating to these plans.
The announcements were made during a press conference in Uppsala, Sweden, on May 28, where Prime Minister Kristersson and President Zelenskyy jointly outlined their intentions regarding Ukraine’s air defence capability and the planned acquisition of Gripen aircraft.
The announcement follows President Zelenskyy’s visit to Linköping, Sweden, in October 2025, during which Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on co-operation in the field of air defence, laying the groundwork for this latest development.
