Zelensky announced Ukraine will soon receive Gripen fighters
Ukraine expects to receive Swedish multirole Gripen fighters in the near future, which should strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force and complement the existing F-16s. In particular, the new fighters are planned to be used to counter Russian jet-powered drones.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on October 16 after a meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Brussels.
“Thanks to Sweden for our agreements on Gripen fighters. We expect their delivery in the near future. They will complement our F-16s, particularly in destroying jet-powered ‘Shaheds’,” — wrote Zelensky.
According to the President, one of the main topics of the talks was strengthening Ukrainian air defense amid ongoing Russian attacks.
The parties discussed in detail Ukraine’s needs for means of protection against missiles and drones, as well as further military cooperation.
At the same time, Zelensky did not specify exactly when Ukraine will receive the aircraft and how many fighters will be in the first batch.
Which fighters Ukraine should receive
Ukraine and Sweden previously concluded agreements on the transfer and purchase of Gripen aircraft of various modifications.
On June 30, 2026, Kyiv and Stockholm signed a contract for the purchase of 16 modern Gripen E fighters. According to the conditions published then, deliveries of these aircraft should begin in early 2029.
Funding for the purchase is provided through a European Union loan with the support of the United Kingdom.
In addition, Sweden agreed to transfer the first 16 Gripen C/D fighters to Ukraine as military aid. Previously, the start of their deliveries was planned for early 2027.
Thus, Zelensky’s statement about receiving aircraft in the near future may refer primarily to the previously agreed transfer of Gripen C/D. However, officially the President did not specify the modification and did not announce a change in the delivery schedule.
Training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel for Gripen is already underway in Sweden.
Gripen should strengthen defense against jet drones
Swedish fighters are seen as an additional tool for Ukraine’s air defense.
Gripen aircraft are developed by Saab and are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including interception of air targets, air defense and strikes on ground targets.
One of the advantages of these fighters is the ability to operate with limited ground infrastructure and relatively short turnaround time between missions.
Additional combat aviation is especially important for Ukraine amid the increase in the number of high-speed Russian drones.
On October 16 alone, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian troops used 315 attack drones over 12 hours, including 78 jet-powered devices. In addition, the enemy used 15 high-speed munitions S-8000 “Banderol/Dan-T.”
Ukrainian air defense neutralized 253 drones and nine munitions of the specified type.
The use of jet drones reduces the time for their detection and interception. Therefore, additional fighters can expand air defense capabilities, although their effectiveness will depend on available weapons and conditions of mission execution.
Sweden will continue to support Ukraine
In addition to deliveries of combat aircraft, Zelensky and Kristersson discussed support for Ukrainian energy ahead of the winter period.
The President of Ukraine thanked the Swedish government for its willingness to increase military aid and advocate for stronger sanctions pressure on Russia.
“It is important to increase pressure on Russia and increase support for Ukraine, not the opposite. This should be Europe’s common response to Russian escalation,” — noted Zelensky.
Special attention was paid to Ukraine’s progress towards membership in the European Union.
Sweden remains one of the European partners supporting the expansion of military aid to Ukraine, the development of its air defense and further integration of the country into the EU.
Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President of Ukraine, Office of the President — agreement on Gripen deliveries, European Pravda.