Kyiv, October 27 - In a landmark move amid Ukraine's unyielding defense against Russian aggression, President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the signing of a "historic" Gripen deal with Sweden, paving the way for the delivery of up to 150 advanced JAS 39 Gripen-E fighter jets starting in 2026. The agreement, inked during Zelensky's visit to Saab's facility in Linköping on October 22, 2025, marks Ukraine's largest-ever combat aviation procurement and underscores Sweden's deepening commitment to bolstering Kyiv's air superiority. Funded in part by frozen Russian assets, this multi-billion-euro pact not only equips Ukraine with cutting-edge multirole fighters but also positions it as the world's top operator of the Gripen-E, enhancing NATO's eastern flank against ongoing threats.
Zelensky, speaking alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in front of a sleek Gripen prototype, described the jets as a "priority" for Ukraine's armed forces, emphasizing their role in countering Russia's relentless aerial assaults. "This is a historic step, a good choice for our army," Zelensky declared, noting that Ukrainian pilots have already undergone training in Sweden since 2023. The deal's letter of intent outlines a 10-15-year partnership, with initial deliveries anticipated as early as next year, potentially including legacy Gripen C/D models to accelerate integration. This comes as Ukraine integrates U.S. F-16s and French Mirage 2000s, but experts like Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute praise the Gripen's superior electronic warfare systems and compatibility with long-range Meteor missiles, making it a game-changer for medium-weight air combat.
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The Gripen fighter jets, renowned for their agility and cost-effectiveness, are tailor-made for Ukraine's harsh operational environment. As a fourth-generation supersonic workhorse, the Gripen-E boasts a single GE F414 engine for enhanced thrust, advanced AESA radar for superior detection, and the versatility to execute air-to-air intercepts, precision strikes, and reconnaissance missions, all while operating from austere bases like highways or dirt strips. Unlike pricier fifth-generation rivals such as the F-35, the Gripen's low maintenance demands and rapid refueling in subzero conditions align perfectly with Ukraine's resource-strapped logistics. Saab's ramped-up production, aiming for 20-30 jets annually, ensures scalability, with potential co-assembly in Ukraine to foster local defense industry growth and long-term self-reliance.
This Gripen deal for Ukraine signals a broader shift in European security dynamics, fortifying Kyiv's skies while deterring further Russian incursions. As Zelensky pushes for swift implementation amid escalating energy infrastructure attacks, the pact promises not just immediate firepower but enduring peace dividends. For a nation rebuilding from invasion, these 150 fighter jets represent hope incarnate: swift, smart, and unyieldingly resilient in the fight for sovereignty.