Stockholm, November 7 - In a pivotal move to strengthen Ukraine's aerial defenses amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced on November 6, 2025, that Stockholm is prepared to partially fund a landmark Gripen fighter jets deal for Kyiv. This revelation, shared exclusively with Reuters, underscores Sweden's deepening commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty through innovative financing mechanisms, including direct military aid contributions. The potential agreement could see Ukraine acquiring up to 150 advanced Gripen E multirole fighter jets from Swedish manufacturer Saab, marking the largest aircraft export in Sweden's history and a game-changer in European defense collaboration.
Negotiations between Sweden and Ukraine have accelerated since the signing of a long-term air defense cooperation pact in October 2025, during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's visit to Linköping, Saab's production hub. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the Gripen deal as "very realistic" at the time, emphasizing that initial deliveries could commence within three years as production ramps up. Jonson highlighted Sweden's proactive role in presenting the proposal to the Coalition of the Willing, a consortium of 16 European nations dedicated to bolstering Ukraine's war effort. He noted that allies with stakes in Gripen components, such as the UK's suppliers and U.S.-based General Electric for engines, might offer additional incentives to co-finance the package, easing the burden on Ukraine's strained postwar budget.
The Gripen E's appeal lies in its cost-effectiveness and versatility, positioning it as a pragmatic alternative to pricier fifth-generation fighters like the F-35. Priced at around $85 million per unit, evidenced by a recent $563 million sale of four jets to Thailand, the fleet could exceed $12 billion in value, raising valid concerns about affordability without external support. Sweden is aggressively advocating within the EU to unlock up to €200 billion in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense needs, a strategy Jonson says could directly subsidize Gripen production. Saab, already expanding facilities in Sweden and Brazil while eyeing partnerships in Ukraine and Canada, stands ready to scale output to 20-30 jets annually, ensuring timely fulfillment.
This funding pledge not only fortifies Ukraine's air superiority but also signals a broader European resolve to counter Russian aggression through pooled resources and strategic exports. As Jonson hosted his Ukrainian counterpart in Stockholm on the announcement day, the initiative promises to reshape NATO's eastern flank dynamics, blending Swedish engineering prowess with collective solidarity for lasting peace in the region.