Sweden and Ukraine sign landmark deal for Gripen fighter jets – Potentially Saab’s largest ever

Sweden and Ukraine have signed a declaration of intent paving the way for Ukraine to acquire 100–150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, marking what could become the largest defence deal in Saab’s history. The announcement was made in Linköping on Wednesday by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The agreement outlines Ukraine’s strategic decision to make the Gripen the foundation of its future air force, focusing on the new Gripen E model currently entering production. While no contract has yet been signed, Saab CEO Michael Johansson called it an “incredibly important political handshake” and a potential milestone for both Sweden’s defence industry and its workforce in Linköping.

Prime Minister Kristersson described the move as the beginning of a long-term industrial partnership between Sweden and Ukraine, offering significant benefits for both countries’ security and economies. Financing options are under discussion, including the possible use of frozen Russian assets within the EU.

President Zelensky praised the Gripen as a “fantastic” aircraft and said Ukraine hopes to receive at least 100 units, acknowledging the scale and complexity of the process. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson added that the first aircraft could be operational in Ukraine within three years, depending on training, production, and funding progress.

The announcement came amid renewed Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, underscoring the urgency of strengthening Ukraine’s air defences. Kristersson condemned the assaults as “brutality without borders” and reaffirmed Sweden’s long-term support for Ukraine.

Saab’s shares rose following the news, reflecting investor optimism about what could become a defining industrial and political partnership between Sweden and Ukraine.