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Ukraine to buy 16 new Gripen E jets from Sweden under $2.5 billion deal, with deliveries by 2029
The agreement, announced June 30 by President Volodymyr Zelensky, covers new-build aircraft plus equipment and support. Deliveries are set for 2029 under the contract.
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Ukraine signed a $2.5 billion contract with Sweden for 16 Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries scheduled by 2029. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the agreement on June 30. The contract includes the aircraft along with related equipment, technical assistance, and support.
The deal advances an earlier framework previously discussed by Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Under that framework, Ukraine is scheduled to receive 16 older Gripen C/D jets in early 2027. Zelensky met Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson on June 30 to review implementation steps.
The same meeting covered preparations for a drone initiative and work on anti-ballistic capabilities. Sweden has supplied Ukraine with tanks, artillery, armored vehicles, and reconnaissance planes since 2022. Zelensky thanked Sweden for its partnership since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
Ukraine plans to operate a total of 150 Gripen aircraft over time. The Gripen can carry IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles. "Together with Sweden, we continue strengthening Ukraine's combat aviation," Zelensky said.
