Ukraine to Purchase 16 Gripen Fighter Jets from Sweden

Ukraine and Sweden have signed an agreement for the purchase of 16 Gripen E fighter jets, which will be delivered to the Ukrainian armed forces in early 2027, President Vladimir Zelensky has announced. In late May, the Swedish government outlined plans to supply up to 36 Gripen jets to Ukraine. Under that plan, older model jets would be donated, while Ukraine would purchase new aircraft using a €2.5 billion (approximately Rp51.2 trillion) loan from the European Union. “Together with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation capabilities. Today, our country signed a procurement agreement for 16 Gripen E fighter jets,” Zelensky stated on platform X. The first phase of deliveries, comprising 16 Gripen aircraft, will be handed over to Ukraine in early 2027, Zelensky added. Russia has repeatedly stated that arms supplies to Ukraine hinder conflict resolution efforts and directly involve North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that any shipment carrying weapons for Ukraine will be considered a legitimate target for Russian strikes.