Stockholm, October 25 - In a landmark move to bolster Ukraine's aerial defenses amid its ongoing conflict, Swedish aerospace giant Saab is exploring the establishment of an additional production hub to accelerate deliveries of the advanced JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets. The initiative follows a pivotal Letter of Intent signed on October 22, 2025, between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a high-profile visit to Saab's Linköping facility. This agreement paves the way for Kyiv to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E aircraft, potentially valued at over $10 billion, marking Sweden's largest defense export deal in history. Saab CEO Micael Johansson emphasized the urgency, noting that while initial transfers could involve upgraded C/D models from Sweden's inventory as early as 2026, the bulk of the order demands ramped-up manufacturing of the cutting-edge E variant to meet Ukraine's strategic needs.
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The Gripen E, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter renowned for its agility and cost-effectiveness, stands out as an ideal asset for Ukraine's embattled air force. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, sophisticated electronic warfare systems, and the ability to operate from austere, short runways, the jet excels in dispersed operations, crucial for evading Russian missile strikes on traditional bases. Unlike pricier fifth-generation rivals like the F-35, the Gripen E offers NATO interoperability, extended range for air superiority and ground attack missions, and a modular design that supports rapid upgrades. Ukrainian pilots have already undergone familiarization training in Sweden, signaling swift integration potential. This purchase would dwarf Ukraine's current MiG-29 fleet of around 45 aircraft, transforming its tactical air power and enhancing regional security in Eastern Europe.
To fulfill such an ambitious order without compromising existing commitments to Sweden and Brazil, Saab is poised to expand its production ecosystem. Currently churning out about 12 Gripens annually at Linköping, the company plans to double capacity to 20-30 jets per year initially, with further scaling if the deal solidifies. Johansson revealed ongoing talks for a new hub, potentially involving industrial partnerships in Ukraine itself for local assembly and maintenance, alongside boosts to the existing Embraer collaboration in Brazil. "We're initiating discussions in countries interested in Gripen, which could mean another production hub taking one to two years to stand up," he stated during Saab's third-quarter earnings call on October 24. This strategy not only accelerates timelines, aiming for first E-variant deliveries within three years, but also fosters technology transfer, empowering Ukraine's defense industry and creating jobs in allied nations.
As geopolitical tensions simmer, Saab's proactive expansion underscores the Gripen E's rising global appeal in the fighter jet market. By decentralizing production, the Swedish firm ensures resilient supply chains, mitigating risks from concentrated manufacturing. For Ukraine, this isn't just an acquisition; it's a lifeline for sovereignty, backed by Sweden's NATO-aligned commitment. With formal contracts on the horizon, observers anticipate ripple effects across Europe's defense landscape, positioning the Gripen E as a cornerstone of affordable, high-performance aerial deterrence.
