Ukraine prepares ‘strong step’ on Gripen fighter jets, Zelensky says as he visits Sweden
Sweden is one of the largest contributors to Ukraine and has sent $13.75 billion worth of military and civilian aid so far
May 28, 2026 10:10
UPPSALA: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday he was working with Sweden on a major defense package, including a “strong step” on Gripen fighter jets, as Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed him to Sweden. Kristersson and Zelensky signed a letter of intent last year under which Sweden could sell up to 150 of its Saab Gripen model E fighter jets to Ukraine. But with deliveries several years away, there have also been discussions about transfers of existing, C/D model Swedish Gripens.
“We are preparing a major defense package for Ukraine and a strong step regarding Gripen fighter jets, which will definitely make our combat aviation more effective,” Zelensky said on X just after Kristersson welcomed him at Uppsala air base where two Gripen jets flew low over the tarmac.
