Ukraine expects to receive its first Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in January or February 2027. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that February is the most likely delivery date. The aircraft are intended to bolster Ukraine’s combat air force and help counter Russian attack drones, in particular the jet-powered «Shaheds». The head of state made this statement on 10 November whilst speaking to journalists in Copenhagen following a meeting with leaders from Northern and Baltic European countries.
- Ukraine expects to take delivery of its first Gripen aircraft in January–February 2027.
- Zelenskyy said that February was the most likely month for delivery.
- Sweden plans to transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine.
- The new aircraft will help to counter Russian aircraft and attack drones.
- A separate agreement provides for the purchase of 16 of the latest Gripen E aircraft.
Zelenskyy has announced the delivery dates for the Swedish fighter jets
During a press conference in Denmark, the president stated that negotiations with Sweden regarding the accelerated transfer of combat aircraft are ongoing. Kyiv is insisting on the aircraft being supplied as quickly as possible, as they are needed to strengthen air defences and carry out combat missions.
According to Zelenskyy, the first Gripen are due to arrive in Ukraine in January or February, although he considers February to be more likely.
The President emphasised that Ukraine intends to use Swedish aircraft, in particular, to intercept Russian attack drones. Particular attention is being paid to countering the jet-powered variants of the «Shahed» drones, which pose an additional threat to Ukraine’s air defence.
At the same time, the dates mentioned remain an expected delivery schedule rather than confirmation of the actual arrival of the aircraft.
Sweden is to supply Ukraine with 16 Gripen C/D aircraft
Ukraine and Sweden had previously agreed on the transfer of 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets as military aid. These aircraft are due to be delivered to the Ukrainian Air Force in early 2027.
In June 2026, the parties also signed a separate agreement for the purchase of 16 more advanced Gripen E aircraft. Delivery of the new fighters of this variant is scheduled for early 2029.
Under the terms of the agreement, Ukraine will receive not only aircraft but also the necessary equipment, technical and logistical support. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technical staff is already underway in Sweden.
The Gripen will bolster Ukraine’s air defence and complement the F-16s
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish multi-role fighter aircraft designed for intercepting aerial targets, engaging in air combat and striking ground targets.
One of its key features is its ability to operate from relatively short runways and to make use of a dispersed airfield infrastructure. This is important for Ukrainian aviation given the constant threat of Russian missile strikes on military airfields.
Gripen fighter jets can also deploy modern air-to-air missiles, such as the Meteor, which are capable of engaging targets at considerable ranges.
Zelenskyy specifically emphasised that Ukraine needs more F-16s and ammunition for them. Some of the American fighter jets transferred earlier require regular maintenance due to their advanced age, but continue to carry out combat missions.
The delivery of Swedish Gripen aircraft is intended to supplement the existing fleet of Western fighter jets and expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
