Swedish defense manufacturer Saab signed a contract with the Ukrainian government on Tuesday to deliver 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft in a landmark deal valued at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish crowns ($2.54 billion). Announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the bilateral agreement aims to substantially reinforce Ukraine’s airspace defense capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia.
The procurement, finalized alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, includes long-term technical support for the advanced supersonic jets. However, a discrepancy emerged regarding the logistics timeline, Zelenskyy stated via Telegram that deliveries would commence in 2027, whereas Saab announced that aircraft handovers are scheduled for 2029–2030.
The multi-billion-dollar deal arrives as Ukraine faces renewed vulnerabilities on multiple fronts. Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, warned Tuesday that Kyiv’s forces are actively bracing for a potential new Russian offensive originating from the northern Bryansk region.
The critical need for enhanced air defense was further underscored on Tuesday after Russian glide bomb strikes killed two civilians and injured 15 others in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, prompting Denmark to separately pledge a fresh $671.8 million military aid package.
