Sweden and Ukraine have signed an agreement for Ukraine to potentially acquire 100–150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, with the first aircraft possibly arriving by 2026, according to The Kyiv Independent. The Gripen, particularly the advanced E variant, offers agility, modern avionics, and short-takeoff capabilities, making it well-suited for Ukraine’s war needs, including defending against Russian glide bombs. While deliveries are expected to be slow and initial shipments may include older C/D models, the deal also includes plans to localize Gripen production in Ukraine. Experts note that even a limited number of Gripens would significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air force, complementing existing NATO-standard aircraft like F-16s and Mirage 2000s. They write:

Sweden and Ukraine have taken a major step toward expanding Ukraine’s air force, signing an agreement to potentially acquire Gripen fighter jets, and the first of these cutting-edge aircraft could be in Ukrainian skies as soon as 2026, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“For me, the JAS-39 is the only fighter jet in the world I’d be willing to sell my soul for,” Ukrainian pilot Vadym Voroshylov, call sign Karaya, said on Instagram, describing the possible delivery of Swedish aircraft as an “ideal option” for Ukraine. […]

Under the agreement signed on Oct. 22, Ukraine plans to purchase between 100 and 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets — the latest variant of Sweden’s aircraft. However, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson cautioned that the deal is “a journey for 10 to 15 years” and does not include immediate deliveries. […]

The Gripen can carry a range of long- and medium-range air-to-air missiles, including the MBDA Meteor and AIM-120 AMRAAM for beyond-visual-range strikes, as well as IRIS-T and AIM-9 Sidewinder for medium-range combat.

“One of the advantages of the Gripen over the F-16 is its ability to carry the Meteor air-to-air missile,” Andrii Kharuk, military historian and weapons expert, told the Kyiv Independent. […]

The Gripen is designed for field operations, and it can take off and land from roadways and basic airstrips. This fighter jet features short takeoff and landing capabilities, while F-16s typically require much longer, more prepared runways, Layton added. […]

“It would most likely require a sign-off from the U.S. administration to send Gripens to Ukraine,” Cristoph Berg, a research analyst for airpower at RUSI, told the Kyiv Independent. “As for the exact limitations and political considerations behind that, we will have to wait and see.”

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