Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the first Swedish Gripen fighter jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine next year as part of an agreement for up to 150 aircraft.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine and Sweden have reached an agreement on Gripen fighters that he described as unprecedented in scale.

"There has never been a combat-aviation deal of this scale for Ukraine before," he stated on X.

The president said Ukraine is counting on 150 such aircraft and characterized the Gripens as part of Ukraine's security guarantees.

The announcement follows a letter of intent signed on 22 October between Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for the purchase of 100 to 150 new Gripen fighters, specifically the latest JAS 39 Gripen E variant.

Their meeting took place in Linköping, where Saab (the Gripen manufacturer) is headquartered.

However, Kristersson clarified the timeline and nature of the agreement. The letter of intent does not provide for immediate deliveries but establishes a framework for long-term cooperation. Kristersson explained that the agreement would enable Ukraine to build substantial air force capabilities with approximately 100-150 Gripen E fighters.

He characterized the deal as a long-term commitment, describing it as "a clear mutual statement and the beginning of a long journey of 10-15 years."

Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E specifications:

• Maximum speed approximately 2,130 km/h (Mach 2)
• Can carry AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles (also used on F-16s)
• Capable of launching precision-guided bombs and tactical air-to-ground missiles
• Suitable for air defense, ground attacks, and long-range strike missions
• Classified as 4++ generation with improved stealth and additional protection
• Combat radius of 1,300 km (compared to 800 km in older JAS 39C/D models)

Kyiv takes a step into the sky of freedom. Ukraine and Sweden have signed the first document, opening the path to receiving Swedish Gripen fighter jets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called it “a new and very meaningful chapter” in relations with Sweden, according to the President's Office. 

Superspeed fighter jets for Ukraine: the beginning of air era

On 22 October, Zelenskyy arrived in the Swedish city of Linköping, where he was greeted by Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. They planned to discuss a new level of defense partnership amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. 

100–150 fighter jets: forming a new Air Force

“Today, there is the first document between our countries that opens the way for Ukraine to receive a serious fleet of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets,” Zelenskyy said during the meeting with Kristersson. 

He described the Gripen jet as a "very cool” and a “powerful platform capable of carrying out a wide range of combat missions.”

In his turn, Kristersson stated that the signed letter of intent opens the way for the potential supply of 100–150 Gripen E-series fighter jets, which will allow Ukraine to build “a very serious Air Force."

According to him, the agreement benefits both sides. For Sweden, it is “one step towards a major export deal for Saab” and a foundation for long-term industrial cooperation.

Saab is a leading Swedish aerospace and defense company, which produces the JAS 39 Gripen. Its headquarters are located in Linköping, the exact city where Zelenskyy arrived with the official visit. 

From intentions to contract

The Swedish prime minister emphasized that the document does not mean immediate deliveries, but creates a framework for a large-scale future agreement.

“It means great opportunities for the Ukrainian Air Force, and also for Sweden and our defence industry,” Kristersson said.

Zelenskyy added, “Everyone can see the threats this helps to counter. We expect that the future contract will allow us to receive at least 100 such aircraft.”

The Ukrainian president thanked the Swedish government, Kristersson, and Saab for their willingness to engage in deep defence cooperation.

The JAS 39 Gripen E has following specifications 

Its maximum speed is up to around 2,130 km/h, which is approximately Mach 2 at high altitude. The aircraft can carry:

• AIM-120 AMRAAM
• AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles

They are used not only on the Gripen but also on many US and allied fighters, such as the F-16.

It is capable of launching precision-guided bombs GBU-12, GBU-49, and tactical air-to-ground missiles. 

The Gripen E/F of the so-called 4++ generation features improved stealth, additional protection, and a new F414 engine from General Electric, per United24. Additionally, its fuel capacity has increased by 1.5 times, enabling a combat radius of 1,300 km compared to 800 km in the JAS 39C/D, BBC reports. Maximum takeoff weight has also increased to 16.5 tons, and the number of weapon hardpoints has risen from 8 to 10.