After years of discussion and preparation, Kyiv has struck a deal with Stockholm to obtain dozens of Gripen fighter jets to defend the country as Russia continues its intense aerial bombardment of Ukraine’s cities.
Sweden will donate 16 of its older Gripen C/D models to Ukraine, while Kyiv will buy a further 20 newer E/F models to be delivered over the coming years at a cost of 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) financed buy the 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan agreed with the EU. Kyiv’s ultimate goal is to acquire 100-150 of the famously versatile aircraft, which will more than double the size of its air force if delivered.
If the deal proceeds smoothly, the first jets could be delivered as soon as early 2027, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at a press conference on Thursday. The country’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson said Ukrainian pilots were already being trained to fly the aircraft.
Though Gripens will not have a decisive effect on the war in Ukraine, Kyiv hopes it could put Russian aircraft in the crosshairs. But experts have long argued that the Gripen has attributes that make it well suited for Ukraine’s needs.
The agreement also comes at a politically significant time, days after Russia struck Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik missile, while peace negotiations have fallen by the geopolitical wayside.
