Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announce the transfer of 16 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft to Ukraine in May 2026. Ukraine may buy up to 150 Gripens in the future. (Presidential Office of Ukraine)

Why Sweden Is Giving 16 Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine

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The transfer of 16 older Swedish Gripen fighters to Ukraine comes after the two nations signed a deal for 30 newer aircraft—with as many as 150 yet to come.

Sweden, the newest member of the NATO alliance, has reached a deal to sell Ukraine 20 new JAS 39 Gripen multirole jet fighters. Stockholm is also planning to donate 16 older models of the Gripen to the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the news at a joint news conference on Thursday.

The deal follows a letter of intent signed by both parties last year, which could eventually see Kyiv obtain up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E variants. Deliveries for those aircraft are years away, and won’t come in time to help Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. However, upgrading its fleet of combat aircraft has remained a priority for the........

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