Writer

Charlotte Bailey

A month after announcing its intention to acquire the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E, Ukraine has placed its first firm order for 16 new-build fighters with Sweden's FMV defence material agency. Ahead of the E deliveries expected from 2029, deliveries of 16 former Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Gripen C/D is also expected to start in early 2027 under an interim donation agreement.
The SEK 24.6 billion ($2.53 billion) deal signed on June 30 cover four fewer airframes than the 20 units Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last month suggested might be ordered. Nevertheless, it is in line with an initial October 2025 letter of intent between Sweden and Ukraine, which saw the latter pledge to buy “up to a division” [16] aircraft as part of an overall 150-strong purchase intention. The FMV added that the new inter-governmental agreement—which incorporates spare parts, associated items and equipment—also includes “a comprehensive training package.” 
“I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian air force’s capability,” commented Saab CEO and president Micael Johansnson. 
According to Ukraine's defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, procurement of the Es was facilitated “through European credit financing, supported by the United Kingdom.” This follows on from a June 25 announcement from European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, in which she stated that the European Union is to transfer the first tranche of a €90 billion ($102.5 billion) support loan to Ukraine. Zelenskyy has previously stated that $2.5 billion from this loan package would be allocated specifically for the Gripen acquisition. 
New-Build Replacements For Donated Swedish C/Ds 
However, in May, Sweden announced it would also be donating older C/D models from its current fleet to help close interim capability gaps. These&nbsp; aircraft “can be expected to be defending Ukraine’s airspace as early as next year,” explained Sweden's defense ministry. It added that the SEK 22.2 billion ($2.3 billion) package included advanced ammunition “which may consist” of IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles. 
“However, given the Swedish Armed Forces’ expansion and the security situation, it is essential that the materiel included in the proposed donation to Ukraine can be swifty replaced,” the defense ministry added. As such, an order for 16 new Swedish Es—to replace the older units being donated to Ukraine—has also now formally been arranged. With this agreement confirmed, the FMV stated it can continue preparation for the donations, with “the goal… to have an agreement in place this autumn to be able to deliver the aircraft in early 2027.” 
The SwAF—which celebrates the centenary of its Air Force on July 1—received its first Gripen E in October 2025, with the first aircraft arriving at its F7 Skaraborg Wing in Såtenäs. A total of 60 Es were ordered in 2013. In 2022, the FMV stated that the SwAF’s C/Ds would remain operationally relevant until 2035, with 40 units to serve alongside the 60 incoming Es.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Ukraine Places Firm Orders For First 16 Saab Gripen E Fighters 

Donated Swedish C/D variants in 2027 will precede delivery of new-build fighters 

Ukraine's has ordered its first 16 Gripen Es, which will be preceded by 16 C/D models donated from the Swedish AIr Force that are set to arrive early in 2027. 

Ukraine Orders First 16 Saab Gripen E Fighters 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Surging demand across all sectors is unprecedented

AIN Roundtable—Managing Supply Chain through Overheated Demand

Chad Trautvetter

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Deliveries of the upgraded twinjet are expected to begin in 2029

Embraer Praetor 500E Gets Nods from FAA, EASA, and ANAC

Charles Alcock

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Toyota will be the majority owner of the production company

Toyota and Joby Start eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture

Amy Wilder

About 130 aircraft volunteered for Textron Aviation’s mission to transport athletes from games

Special Olympics Airlift Returns 800 Athletes Home

Jennifer Meszaros

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

In this article

Saab Aerospace

More In Aircraft

AIN Roundtable—Managing Supply Chain through Overheated Demand

Surging demand across all sectors is unprecedented

Embraer Praetor 500E Gets Nods from FAA, EASA, and ANAC

Deliveries of the upgraded twinjet are expected to begin in 2029

Toyota and Joby Start eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture

Toyota will be the majority owner of the production company

Special Olympics Airlift Returns 800 Athletes Home

About 130 aircraft volunteered for Textron Aviation’s mission to transport athletes from games

Deer Jet Becomes Comac Bizjet Launch Operator

Adapted regional airliner now flying domestic charters in China

Beta and Surf Air Launch Electric Flight Trials in Hawaii

Six-week campaign tests inter-island cargo and passenger routes

Shanghai Customer Takes First Global 8000 in Asia

Delivery reflects growing Asia region demand

Gulf Wings Takes Delivery of Managed Global 8000

The company will manage the jet on behalf of Africa’s BUA Group

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN