Sweden to provide and sell Saab Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced a major defense agreement at the Uppsala Air Base. Under the deal, Sweden will donate 16 older Saab Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine within the next year to bolster immediate air defense capabilities. Furthermore, Ukraine has expressed the intent to purchase 20 new Gripen E models as part of a broader framework established by a letter of intent signed last year. The original agreement outlines a potential acquisition of up to 150 aircraft, depending on future financing. Zelenskyy stated that the country aims to secure sufficient funding for the full purchase, supported by recent European Union loans. While deliveries of the advanced E models are expected to take several years, the donated C/D aircraft serve as a bridging solution. Reports on the exact number and model of jets have varied, with some sources mentioning potential acquisition figures between 100 and 150 units.