Ukraine will purchase 20 new Gripen fighter jets and receive 16 older model jets from Sweden next year, according to a joint press conference by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. Last year, the two leaders signed a letter of intent allowing Sweden to sell up to 150 Saab Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine, but the newer models will take several years for delivery.
The Gripens are essential for Ukraine’s fighter fleet, and the country’s defense minister previously mentioned that a deal could be finalized soon after the EU approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. Kristersson stated that the Gripen jets are the best choice for Ukraine, while Zelenskiy highlighted that acquiring these jets marks a significant advancement for the nation. Ukraine has allocated 2.5 billion euros from the EU loan for these planes, with new model deliveries expected by 2030.
The older C/D models provide a temporary solution for Ukraine’s air defense. Following the announcement, shares in Saab, the manufacturer, rose significantly. Saab’s CEO expressed excitement about the deal and emphasized that more countries choosing Gripen enhances its reputation. Sweden has contributed 128 billion Swedish crowns worth of aid to Ukraine and allocated 80 billion crowns for this and the following year.
With information from Reuters
