Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
On the eve of a crucial European Union summit in Brussels, Ukraine and Sweden have signed a landmark agreement that could see Kyiv acquire as many as 150 Gripen E multirole fighter jets over the next decade, a move that underscores both nations’ deepening defence partnership and Europe’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s security.
The agreement, formalized on Wednesday in the southern Swedish city of Linköping, home to the defence manufacturer Saab AB, was signed by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It represents one of the largest potential European arms transfers to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
“This is the start of a long journey 10 to 15 years,” Kristersson said at the signing ceremony. “A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to make sure Ukraine can fight back against Russia’s aggression.”
He emphasized that the letter of intent does not mean immediate deliveries but lays the groundwork for a phased transfer of Sweden’s most advanced aircraft, the Gripen E.
Production and Delivery Timeline
According to both governments, the first deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, subject to production schedules and export approvals. The Gripen E known for its agility, advanced radar, and cost-effective maintenance is considered one of Europe’s most capable fourth-generation fighter aircraft.
The Swedish variant runs on the U.S.-made General Electric F414-GE-39E engine, the same powerplant used in several NATO aircraft, making it compatible with Western maintenance and logistics systems already being introduced to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Sweden’s Saab currently produces a limited number of Gripen E jets annually, and Kristersson acknowledged that expanding output to meet Ukrainian and domestic needs will take time.
Zelenskyy: Gripens to Bolster Ukraine’s Defences
President Zelenskyy hailed the agreement as a major milestone in Ukraine’s efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its air defence network. “The JAS 39 Gripen aircraft are among the most effective elements for strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities,” Zelenskyy said after the meeting. “We count on the first deliveries of Gripens already in 2026. Our pilots have already begun training on Swedish aircraft.”
He added that discussions with Swedish officials also covered air defence cooperation, the PURL initiative aimed at joint production and logistics and urgent measures to protect Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which continues to suffer from Russian missile and drone attacks.
Broader Strategic Context
The timing of the agreement is significant. It comes just one day before the EU summit in Brussels, where European leaders are set to discuss a new package of defence and financial assistance for Ukraine, as well as the continent’s long-term security posture. Zelenskyy said Kyiv and Stockholm had “coordinated positions ahead of this week’s meetings in Europe”, including discussions at the Coalition of the Willing in London.
“It is crucial to remain united in our decisions to achieve the results we aim for,” the Ukrainian leader stressed.
Gripen’s Combat Record and Global Role
While the Gripen series has seen limited combat use compared to American or French fighters, it has been widely deployed in NATO and allied missions. Swedish media reported earlier this year that Thailand used its Gripen fleet in combat for the first time during a border confrontation with Cambodia.
Previously, the aircraft were primarily used for air policing missions, including deployments in Poland in 2025 as part of a NATO patrol, and during the 2014 NATO no-fly zone over Libya.
The Gripen’s reputation for interoperability, low operational costs, and advanced electronic warfare systems has made it an attractive option for countries seeking high-end capabilities without the expense of U.S. fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
Sweden’s Growing Role in European Security
Sweden’s decision to pursue a long-term defence partnership with Ukraine reflects its growing assertiveness within European security policy following its accession to NATO earlier this year. Stockholm has emerged as a key supporter of Ukraine’s military modernization, already supplying armoured vehicles, artillery, and air defence systems.
The Gripen agreement, though still in its early stages, marks a major step in Sweden’s transformation from a neutral state to a proactive security actor in Europe’s defence architecture.
