Sweden has confirmed a major new step in its military support for Ukraine, announcing the transfer of 16 used Gripen fighter jets while also outlining plans to procure up to 20 additional aircraft of the same type for future delivery. The announcement was made by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uppsala.

Kristersson underlined that the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen Ukraine's long-term air defense capabilities. ?Ukraine has clearly identified the Gripen aircraft as a priority option for its air force in the long term and intends to purchase the newest version, the Gripen E. Negotiations are ongoing, and we will be able to transfer these aircraft by 2030,? he said.

He also confirmed that Sweden will begin transferring aircraft already in service. ?We are transferring 16 of these Gripen C/D aircraft,? Kristersson stated, adding that deliveries are expected to begin in early 2027. ?This will strengthen Ukraine's air defence and Europe's air defence,? he said.

The long-term plan includes Ukraine's interest in acquiring up to 20 newer Gripen E aircraft, with financing expected to be supported through a 2.5 billion euro (USD2.8 billion) EU Ukraine Support Loan mechanism. Discussions over the future procurement remain ongoing, while export approvals and final agreements are still required.

Zelenskyy, who attended the announcement in Sweden, described the development as part of a broader defense package and deeper cooperation between the two countries. Speaking earlier on X, he said, ?I am in Sweden today on a working visit. We are preparing a major defence package for Ukraine and a strong step regarding Gripen fighter jets, which will definitely make our combat aviation more effective.?

He also confirmed ongoing coordination with Swedish defense representatives and said Ukrainian pilots have already begun training connected to the aircraft systems. Zelenskyy has previously suggested that initial Gripen capabilities could arrive within months as preparations continue.

The announcement builds on a letter of intent signed in 2025 regarding the possible future sale of 100 to 150 Gripen E aircraft to Ukraine. While early deliveries of newer models could begin by 2030, Swedish officials emphasized that the timeline depends on negotiations and production capacity.

Zelenskyy welcomed the move as a significant milestone in defense cooperation. ?This is truly a historic event, a historic day for our cooperation and for our countries,? he said, noting that Ukraine is expecting the first operational capabilities within roughly 10 months.

Military experts and officials have highlighted the Gripen's operational advantages for Ukraine, including its ability to operate from short or improvised runways such as highways, reducing vulnerability to missile strikes on airbases. Designed for dispersed operations, the aircraft can be rapidly refueled and rearmed in around 10 minutes under optimal conditions.

The Gripen is also compatible with a wide range of NATO weapons systems, including IRIS-T, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles. Analysts say the Meteor system in particular could significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to counter Russian aircraft launching glide bomb attacks from behind the front line.

Despite the capabilities, experts caution against overstating its impact, stressing that effectiveness will depend on delivery scale, training, and integration into Ukraine's broader air force structure.