Ukraine and Sweden have signed a large-scale defense agreement aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. Under the agreements, Ukraine plans to acquire up to 20 Swedish Gripen E/F fighter jets, for which 2.5 billion euros will be used from the European Union’s Ukraine Support Loan program.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Strategic Cooperation Between Kyiv and Stockholm
According to the official statement, after Ukraine completes the necessary procedures for purchasing the new fighters, Sweden is ready to additionally provide 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as part of bilateral assistance. During a visit to Sweden, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a declaration to deepen defense cooperation between the countries.
The Swedish Prime Minister announced at a joint press conference that Ukraine will receive the first Gripen C and D fighters in 2027, while deliveries of the more modern E and F aircraft will begin in 2030.
New Military Aid Package and Aviation Prospects
The Office of the President of Ukraine reported that Sweden has approved the largest military aid package to date, which includes not only the decision to transfer Gripen C/D but also long-range systems, ammunition, electronic warfare means, and support for innovative developments. The total amount of the package is 2.7 billion dollars, of which over two billion will be directed specifically to aviation support.
“This support opens a new level for us in saving lives, in protecting our cities and communities. This current package of 2.7 billion dollars includes various elements, including funds for drone production, nearly 400 million, but most importantly – the Gripens… From this package – more than two billion in support – this is specifically for the aircraft,” said Zelensky.
In February 2026, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has agreements with international partners regarding the supply of 150 new Swedish Gripen fighters and 100 French Rafale. According to him, these aircraft will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
During a speech on May 28, the president expressed hope that Ukraine would be able to secure funding for the acquisition of all 150 Gripen aircraft, with the first machines arriving as early as December 2026 or January 2027.
Back in October 2025, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the signing of a declaration regarding the intention to sell Ukraine up to 150 Gripen E series fighters, emphasizing that this is only the beginning of a large-scale, multi-year cooperation.
At the same time, in response to journalists’ questions about the possibility of supplying aircraft as early as 2026, Kristersson noted that this issue is not currently under consideration, as partners agreed not to implement two different types of combat aircraft simultaneously to avoid complicating training and maintenance.
Earlier, the President’s Office reported that an important component of the security agreement with Sweden is the provision of specialized ASC 890 aircraft and the prospect of transferring JAS 39 Gripen with the provision of appropriate training for Ukrainian specialists.
In August 2024, it became known that Ukrainian pilots had already begun testing Swedish Gripen fighters, marking an important stage in preparing for their integration into the armed forces.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian authorities have consistently appealed to Western partners for modern F-16 fighters, and in 2023 several countries agreed to transfer such aircraft to Kyiv. The first F-16s were showcased during the celebration of the Air Force Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on August 4, 2024.
Overall, since 2022, Sweden has been providing both military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. According to estimates from Stockholm, the total amount of support has already reached approximately 130 billion Swedish kronor.