Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson exchange documents as they give a joint news conference at the F16 air flotilla in Uppsala, Sweden, 28 May 2026. EPA-Yonhap
UPPSALA, Sweden - Ukraine will buy 20 new Gripen fighter jets and Sweden will donate 16 of an older model next year, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a joint press conference on Thursday.
The two leaders had signed a letter of intent last year paving the way for Sweden to sell up to 150 Saab Gripen model E fighter jets to Ukraine, though deliveries of the newer model are several years away.
The planes are a priority for Ukraine's fighter fleet and the country's defence minister said in May that a deal for Gripen E could be signed "within months" after the European Union approved a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine.
"Gripen is the best and optimal choice for Ukraine. So today, we take the next major step on this joint journey," Kristersson said at a press conference alongside Zelenskiy at Uppsala air base, where two Gripen jets were on display.
