Ukraine adds Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets to its fleet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Sweden to sign a comprehensive defense cooperation agreement between the two countries. The agreement paves the way for Ukraine to acquire a fleet of Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets.

Zelenskyy, in a statement on social media, said, "Today, we are opening a new page in Ukraine-Sweden relations and European security. This document opens the door for Ukraine to acquire a significant fleet of Gripen aircraft." The Ukrainian leader described the Gripens as "multi-mission, powerful, and excellent combat aircraft," adding, "We hope that the future contract will enable us to acquire at least 100 of these aircraft."

“A new and powerful Ukrainian Air Force will be established”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking after a meeting with Zelenskyy in Linköping, said, "The signed letter of intent will likely cover 100 to 150 combat aircraft to create a new and powerful Ukrainian Air Force." Kristersson emphasized that Zelenskyy witnessed the Gripens' impressive capabilities firsthand during the visit and that this cooperation will strengthen both Ukraine and Europe.

The Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen is known for its multi-role capability, short-runway performance, and modern avionics. Experts say this procurement will modernize Ukraine's air defense capabilities and usher in a new era in European security architecture.

With this agreement, Ukraine has moved one step closer to its goal of establishing a NATO-standard fighter jet fleet and has also initiated a long-term strategic partnership with the Swedish defense industry.