Sweden, Ukraine eye deal for up to 150 Gripen fighter jets

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Oct 2025 00:21

Gripen fighter jets could bolster Ukraine’s air force as Stockholm and Kiev discuss a landmark export agreement after Kristersson–Zelensky talks.

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Photo of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press briefing in a Swedish fighter jet hanger in Linköping on October 22, 2025 (X/@SwedishPM)

Sweden has signed a letter of intent to potentially supply up to 150 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Wednesday during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The two leaders met in Linköping, southern Sweden, where they visited defense manufacturer Saab, the producer of the Gripen E, GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, and other military systems.

"I am proud to have welcomed President Zelensky to Sweden and Linköping," Kristersson said in a social media post.

"Today we have signed an important Letter of Intent, marking a step towards a massive possible export deal regarding Gripen - likely between 100 and 150 fighter jets, to build a new and very strong Ukrainian Air Force. ... This will strengthen both Ukraine, Sweden and Europe."

Kristersson confirmed that the two countries signed a long-term air defense cooperation agreement, which includes the potential export of between 100 and 150 Gripen E fighter jets, in what would be Sweden’s largest-ever aircraft export if finalized.

The deal has been under discussion for nearly two years but was delayed while Kiev focused on integrating American-made F-16 fighter jets.

I am proud to have welcomed President Zelenskyy to Sweden and Linköping.

Today we have signed an important Letter of Intent, marking a step towards a massive possible export deal regarding Gripen - likely between 100 and 150 fighter jets, to build a new and very strong… pic.twitter.com/ObUPKxdxfJ
— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) October 22, 2025

Sweden’s Gripen jets are known for their cost-effectiveness, rugged design, and advanced capabilities, including long-range Meteor missiles, internal electronic warfare systems, and powerful radar, features highlighted by analysts as potentially vital for Ukraine’s long-term air power strategy.

Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian pilots have already tested the Gripen in Sweden and emphasized that the jets are a priority for Ukraine’s armed forces.

Gripens a priority for Ukraine’s air force: Zelensky

“We have started the work to obtain Gripens and expect the future contract to allow us to acquire no less than 100 such jets,” said Zelensky, speaking through a translator.

He added that Ukraine aims to receive and begin using Gripen jets as early as next year, pending final arrangements. “For our army, Gripens are a priority. It is about money, about manoeuvres,” he said.

Kristersson clarified that although no final decision has been made, the production and delivery of newly manufactured jets could begin within three years. Sending older Gripen models sooner had not been ruled out.

Now boarding pic.twitter.com/gPvRSk0ZZS
— Ulf Kristersson (@SwedishPM) October 22, 2025

Financing could include frozen Russian assets

The financial structure of the potential deal is still under discussion. Kristersson noted that funding could involve frozen Russian assets held in Western countries, along with support from partner states in the “coalition of the willing.”

Significant technical and political work remains before a final contract is signed.

Saab, which has produced about 280 Gripen jets since 1996, is ramping up production in anticipation of future orders. The company aims to produce 20 to 30 Gripens annually at its Linköping facility within the next few years.

Sweden has already ordered 60 of the latest Gripen E models, and production lines are also active in Brazil, one of Saab’s key international partners.

Before visiting Sweden, Zelensky made a brief stop in Oslo, where Norway announced a donation of 1.5 billion Norwegian crowns ($149.4 million) to help Ukraine secure energy supplies ahead of winter.