Ukraine to receive 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets starting 2026
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kiev expects to receive the first of 150 Swedish Gripen fighter jets in 2026, following a deal signed with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a signing ceremony for fighter jet deal, October 25, 2025 (Social media)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kiev expects to receive the first batch of Swedish Gripen fighter jets in 2026, following a new bilateral agreement with Sweden.
On Wednesday, Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of intent outlining the transfer of up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine.
“A historic step has been taken now – an agreement with Sweden on Gripen fighter aircraft, and that is a good choice,” Zelensky wrote on X. “We are counting on 150 such aircraft for Ukraine, and the first are expected to arrive next year.”
Together with Sweden, Ukraine will significantly increase its combat aviation numbers. This is an ambitious task and it must be fulfilled. A historic step has been taken now – an agreement with Sweden on Gripen fighter aircraft, and that’s a good choice. We are counting on 150… pic.twitter.com/kdUilZDrgR
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) October 25, 2025
The Gripen E is Sweden’s advanced multi-role fighter jet, designed for high maneuverability and interoperability with NATO standards. Under the agreement, Ukraine would begin receiving the first aircraft in 2026, with full delivery to be completed over three years.
Sweden follows France's suit
Similarly, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that France will deliver additional Aster missiles and Mirage fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days, expanding its military support amid the ongoing war with Russia.
"I want to confirm, Volodymyr, that we will deliver in the days to come additional Aster missiles, new training programs, and new Mirage [missiles]," Macron said during a meeting of the so-called "coalition of the willing", addressing Zelensky.
The French president emphasized that the aid package includes not only long-range Aster missile systems and Mirage aircraft but also new training initiatives for Ukrainian forces. Macron added that further measures are expected to be confirmed by France and other allied nations, although he did not disclose specific details.
As for Russia
While Western governments frame their involvement as support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, Russia sees it as an expansion of NATO’s footprint in the region, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Moscow has repeatedly warned NATO against militarily aiding Kiev, cautioning that it could spark direct confrontations with the bloc.
Moreover, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that any cargo transporting weapons to Ukraine would be regarded as a legitimate military target.
Read more: Russia envoy says Russia, US, Ukraine near diplomatic breakthrough
