United to win: Sweden prepares to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, discusses sale of newest aircraft
On May 28, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson will visit the Uppland Air Wing in Uppsala. A press conference is planned there, during which officials are expected to announce news on international aviation cooperation. According to the outlet, the announcement will likely concern the transfer of Swedish fighter jets to Ukraine.
Aftonbladet writes that Ulf Kristersson will announce the transfer of Jas 39 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine.
In addition, the parties are expected to begin negotiations on the future sale of more modern Gripen E fighter jets. Ukraine is expected to pay for these aircraft using EU loans.
Last year, Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent that could eventually lead to an agreement on 100–150 Gripen aircraft.
Gripen fighter jets were designed for conditions very close to Ukraine's current realities. One of the aircraft's key features is its ability to operate from dispersed bases.
The Gripen can take off and land not only at conventional airfields, but also on short runways and even on certain sections of ordinary roads. In addition to its mobility, the aircraft stands out for its fast maintenance and requires a minimal number of personnel:
The Gripen E modification is equipped with a General Electric F414G engine, which provides speeds of up to 2,500 km/h and a combat radius of more than 800 kilometers.
The aircraft also has the Raven ES-05 detection system, which includes an active electronically scanned array radar. It can detect targets at long distances, even under intense electronic warfare conditions.
In addition, the Gripen E can carry Meteor missiles with a range of more than 100 kilometers. Experts say this gives it an advantage over Russian interceptors.
Background
It is worth noting that Sweden is part of the aviation coalition providing fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel had the opportunity to test Gripen aircraft in Sweden.
At the end of May 2023, the Swedish government allowed Ukrainian pilots to train on JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. They were given the opportunity to train on simulators and conduct test flights.
In May 2024, the Swedish government offered Ukraine an alternative: to provide two airborne early warning and control aircraft, which it described as "an important addition to the F-16 coalition, as it gives Ukraine capabilities it lacks."
On October 22, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of intent to purchase 100 to 150 new Gripen fighter jets. Zelenskyi called the Gripen fighters "among the best in the world."
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28 of May 2026
