Sweden Opens the Skies: Gripen Fighter Jets Headed to Ukraine

Sweden will deliver the first 16 Gripen fighters to Ukraine. These are JAS 39 Gripen C/D aircraft undergoing modification, and deliveries are expected in early 2027.

This was announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to Kristersson, the fighters should strengthen Ukraine’s air defense system and Europe’s air defenses in general.

“Ukrainian pilots have already flown Gripen fighters, and you told us that this is an extremely big change,” the Swedish prime minister said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Gripen aircraft will help Ukraine more effectively counter Russian guided bombs, as they will be delivered together with the appropriate weapons.

Zelensky also announced that he had arrived in Sweden on a working visit to discuss a new large defense package for Ukraine.

“We are preparing a large defense package for Ukraine and a strong step towards Gripen fighters, which will definitely make our combat aviation more effective,” the president said.

According to Zelensky, negotiations with representatives of the Swedish defense industry are also planned as part of the visit.

As a reminder, Sweden may soon announce the transfer of Jas 39 Gripen fighters to Ukraine. In addition, Stockholm is allegedly considering selling Kyiv more modern versions of these aircraft with the support of the European Union.