Gripen E for Ukraine: The F-35 Alternative is Headed to War.

Описание: Sweden is preparing to export up to 150 of its domestically built Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine under a new long-term defense cooperation framework, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced Wednesday.

Following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Linköping, Kristersson said that Sweden is committed to “exploring all the possibilities in providing Ukraine with a large amount of Gripen fighters in the future.” The remarks came during a joint press conference at the facilities of Saab, the manufacturer of the Gripen fighter jet and other defense systems.

According to Kristersson, the two countries signed a letter of intent and launched what he described as “a long road ahead” toward the potential delivery of between 100 and 150 Gripen E aircraft to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy, speaking through a translator, confirmed that his government had formally begun the procurement process. “We have started the work to obtain Gripens to Ukraine and expect the future contract to allow us to acquire no less than 100 such jets,” he said.

The Gripen, a lightweight, multi-role fighter jet that has been in service since 1996, has been touted as a lower-cost alternative to U.S.-built platforms such as the F-35. Saab has delivered around 280 Gripen aircraft to date, with the latest E-model incorporating updated sensors, weapons systems, and avionics.

According to Saab, the Gripen E offers long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities and is engineered to operate in austere environments with low maintenance demands. The aircraft has attracted interest in several export markets, but this would be the first deal of its kind involving a country at war.

In recent months, Ukrainian pilots have conducted evaluation flights in Sweden, part of a broader effort to assess how quickly Ukrainian forces can adapt to the platform. No formal timeline has been announced for a potential transfer or delivery schedule.

As noted by the Swedish government, the cooperation agreement also covers wider support for Ukrainian air defense and future integration of Swedish systems into Ukrainian infrastructure.

The move represents a shift in Sweden’s defense posture as it nears full integration into NATO. Stockholm has increased military aid to Ukraine and tightened defense ties across Europe in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Swedish media previously reported that the government was considering offering as many as 120 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine, but Kristersson’s remarks suggest the scope may be broader under the new agreement.

Zelenskyy’s trip included a tour of Saab’s manufacturing facilities, where the Gripen fighter, GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, and various missile and anti-tank systems are produced.

No delivery contract has been signed yet, but officials from both countries indicated that work is underway to establish the technical, financial, and logistical framework required for such a large-scale export.

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