Ukraine Orders First 16 Saab Gripen E Fighters

A month after announcing its intention to acquire the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E, Ukraine has placed its first firm order for 16 new-build fighters with Sweden's FMV defence material agency. Ahead of the E deliveries expected from 2029, deliveries of 16 former Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Gripen C/D is also expected to start in early 2027 under an interim donation agreement.

The SEK 24.6 billion ($2.53 billion) deal signed on June 30 cover four fewer airframes than the 20 units Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month suggested might be ordered. Nevertheless, it is in line with an initial October 2025 letter of intent between Sweden and Ukraine, which saw the latter pledge to buy “up to a division” [16] aircraft as part of an overall 150-strong purchase intention. The FMV added that the new inter-governmental agreement—which incorporates spare parts, associated items and equipment—also includes “a comprehensive training package.”

“I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian air force’s capability,” commented Saab CEO and president Micael Johansnson.

According to Ukraine's defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, procurement of the Es was facilitated “through European credit financing, supported by the United Kingdom.” This follows on from a June 25 announcement from European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, in which she stated that the European Union is to transfer the first tranche of a €90 billion ($102.5 billion) support loan to Ukraine. Zelenskyy has previously stated that $2.5 billion from this loan package would be allocated specifically for the Gripen acquisition.

New-Build Replacements For Donated Swedish C/Ds

However, in May, Sweden announced it would also be donating older C/D models from its current fleet to help close interim capability gaps. These  aircraft “can be expected to be defending Ukraine’s airspace as early as next year,” explained Sweden's defense ministry. It added that the SEK 22.2 billion ($2.3 billion) package included advanced ammunition “which may consist” of IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles.

“However, given the Swedish Armed Forces’ expansion and the security situation, it is essential that the materiel included in the proposed donation to Ukraine can be swifty replaced,” the defense ministry added. As such, an order for 16 new Swedish Es—to replace the older units being donated to Ukraine—has also now formally been arranged. With this agreement confirmed, the FMV stated it can continue preparation for the donations, with “the goal… to have an agreement in place this autumn to be able to deliver the aircraft in early 2027.”

The SwAF—which celebrates the centenary of its Air Force on July 1—received its first Gripen E in October 2025, with the first aircraft arriving at its F7 Skaraborg Wing in Såtenäs. A total of 60 Es were ordered in 2013. In 2022, the FMV stated that the SwAF’s C/Ds would remain operationally relevant until 2035, with 40 units to serve alongside the 60 incoming Es.