Ukraine to receive Swedish Gripen fighter jets

Ukraine will receive Gripen JAS 39 fighters for the first time - what is known

Kyiv, 29 September 2025 - The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has officially confirmed that Ukraine expects to receive Swedish fighter jets Gripen. This was stated by Deputy Defence Minister Ivan Havryliuk in an interview with the BBC.

Here is the key thing we know about this prospect.

What exactly does the supply involve

• According to Havryliuk, The exact dates and number of aircraft have not been announced yet - «Wait until you see them in the sky over Ukraine».

• Ukraine also expects additional deliveries of F-16 and French Mirage - is a comprehensive upgrade of aviation capabilities.

• At the same time, Sweden has reservations: the government states that sale of Gripen E/F fighters is possible only after the end of the war, The Ukrainian government has been trying to avoid a direct military escalation.

• But the Swedish manufacturer Saab is already expressing confidence in the future: the company is preparing to transfer 14 assault versions of the Gripen C/D Ukraine in the future.

Context and previous decisions

• As early as 2024, Sweden suspended plans to transfer the Gripen to Ukraine, under pressure from allies who are focusing on a standardised F-16 platform.

• In September 2024, Sweden announced that it would «prepare Gripen for a possible transfer in the future» - some preparations are already underway.

• In 2025, Sweden has also offered to redeploy up to eight of its Gripen fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO's air policing mission.

Benefits and challenges

Benefits for Ukraine

• Combat capabilities. The Gripen is a 4th generation multi-role combat aircraft with decent performance in air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

• Adaptation to field conditions. The Gripen is believed to be able to operate from less prepared airfields, which is important in conditions of damaged runways or frontline bases.

• Flexibility in logistics. Due to the lack of need for super-large support and maintenance resources, upgrades and spare parts can be simpler in the context of military logistics.

Challenges and risks

• Legal and political aspects. Selling aircraft to a country at war is a complex decision from the perspective of international law, politics and security.

• Staff training. Ukrainian pilots and technicians will need to undergo significant training to use the system effectively.

• Compatible with air defence and weapons systems. It is necessary to integrate Gripen with existing Ukrainian systems and those of Western allies.

• Partners' priorities. Some allies are already investing in the F-16 as a standardised platform - this may affect how much Sweden wants to promote the Gripen as an alternative.

What's next?

1. Official confirmation of date and quantity - This is the main information that the Ukrainian army and society are waiting for.

2. Agreement between governments - The political, legal and contractual aspects of the transfer need to be regulated.

3. Start of training - Ukraine can already intensify Gripen pilot training.

4. Integration into combat use - deployment of aircraft in real operations, taking into account air control, logistics, air defence and cooperation with allies.