Swedish defence company Saab has signed a contract with Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft for Ukraine, marking a significant expansion of Ukraine’s future air combat capability.
The deal, valued at approximately SEK 24.6 billion, is scheduled to be booked in Q3 2026, with deliveries planned between 2029 and 2030. The package also includes spare parts and associated equipment.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson said the agreement will provide Ukraine with a “world-class fighter” that will strengthen its air defence and help protect its population. The Gripen E is designed for high-threat environments and is notable for its ability to operate from short or improvised runways, rapid turnaround times, and a software-driven architecture that allows continuous upgrades.
The aircraft are intended to support dispersed operations and high availability, characteristics Saab highlights as central to its concept of a cost-effective and resilient combat aircraft.