Sweden and Ukraine have signed a letter of intent covering a potential sale of more than 100 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced during a joint appearance with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Linköping on October 22.
According to Swedish broadcaster TV4, the document outlines a framework for the possible transfer of between 100 and 150 Gripen E aircraft, a figure that would make it one of the largest fighter exports in Saab’s history. Kristersson described the agreement as a step that “brings us closer to a major export deal.”
Long-term vision after the war
In September 2025, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized that any sale of new-build Gripen E/F fighters could only occur after the end of the war with Russia, citing the political and operational risks of supplying advanced combat aircraft into an active conflict zone.
Sweden had previously paused discussions about transferring Gripen jets to Ukraine to allow its partners to focus on introducing the F-16 Fighting Falcon, but continued to explore long-term cooperation with Kyiv.
Possibility of older Gripens
While the letter of intent focuses on the latest Gripen E model, Swedish media suggest that a limited number of Gripen C/D fighters, possibly around 10, could be made available earlier, depending on Sweden’s own transition schedule as it inducts the E variant into service.
A mixed approach, combining immediate access to existing airframes with future deliveries of new-build aircraft, is reportedly under consideration.
Industrial and political impact
A deal exceeding 100 jets would represent a significant expansion of Saab’s production backlog. For Ukraine, the prospect of operating a large Gripen fleet would mark a significant leap in air combat capability, bringing advanced sensors, data links, and dispersed-operations performance designed for contested environments.
However, the timing, financing, and scope of the deal remain open, and both governments have emphasized that further negotiations are necessary before any formal procurement can proceed.
