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Reçu aujourd’hui — 4 septembre 2025
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Sweden admits it may sell Gripen E fighters to Ukraine — but only after Russia’s war ends
    Sweden has signaled that Ukraine’s dream of acquiring its most advanced fighter jets, the Gripen E, will have to wait until after Russia’s war ends. At the same time, Stockholm is showing more openness to discussing the donation of older Gripen C/D models sooner, despite earlier hesitation from NATO allies. This comes amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its air force to protect cities from Russian missiles and drones, and to provide air suppo
     
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✇Euromaidan Press

Sweden admits it may sell Gripen E fighters to Ukraine — but only after Russia’s war ends

Par :Yuri Zoria
4 septembre 2025 à 04:46

sweden admits sell gripen e fighters ukraine — only after russia’s war ends saab jas 39 fighter jet finnish aviation museum / tuomo salonen nato allies asked stockholm delay worried

Sweden has signaled that Ukraine’s dream of acquiring its most advanced fighter jets, the Gripen E, will have to wait until after Russia’s war ends. At the same time, Stockholm is showing more openness to discussing the donation of older Gripen C/D models sooner, despite earlier hesitation from NATO allies.

This comes amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its air force to protect cities from Russian missiles and drones, and to provide air support for frontline operations.

Sweden links advanced Gripens to post-war future

At MSPO 2025, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson told Breaking Defense that Kyiv had expressed interest in the Gripen system, particularly the new Gripen E operated by Sweden and Brazil. He described a possible sale of the advanced version as “a long-term endeavor” that could help build “a common air force capability” after the war. But Jonson stressed that any deal “depends” on the war’s conclusion and must be tied to long-term development.

Western nations have pledged to help rebuild Ukraine’s Air Force once Russia’s invasion is over, though it remains unclear which mix of aircraft will be provided. Jonson pointed to Sweden’s experience in developing joint air power with countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand, and Brazil as a model for what could happen with Ukraine in the future.

Kyiv still seeks Gripen C/D aircraft

Ukraine has long sought deliveries of older Gripen C/D fighters to boost its ability to resist Russia, but Stockholm held back. NATO allies asked Sweden not to move ahead so Kyiv could first focus on mastering F-16 jets and avoid overwhelming its pilots with different aircraft types.

Some French Mirage jets have already been delivered to Ukraine, while Sweden last year approved a donation of Gripen spare parts valued at $214 million. Jonson said Sweden remains “open to discuss” gifting older Gripen C/D aircraft and confirmed he raised the issue with his Ukrainian counterpart during a recent visit to Kyiv.

Saab pushes Gripen E as best option

Saab executives have repeatedly argued that the Gripen E would be the best fit for Ukraine. Saab CEO Micael Johansson told Breaking Defense in February that the aircraft should be supplied “over time,” though he admitted “it’s purely a political decision” to begin with the C/D variant. On 2 September, Saab head of media relations Mattias Rådström said the company would “fully support Sweden in such an endeavor” and called the Gripen E the most suitable fighter for Ukraine’s defense needs.

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