Ukrainian media has reported that the country is preparing advance payments for future Saab Gripen and Dassault Rafale fighter jets, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 5, 2026.
According to a UNIAN report, Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is preparing a prepayment “from the Ukrainian side” for its future aviation, specifically Gripen and Rafale aircraft.
Neither France nor Sweden has publicly confirmed Zelenskyy ’s comment. However, both fighter tracks have already been discussed publicly.
Rafale and Gripen plans already under discussion
In November 2025, France and Ukraine signed a letter of intent covering up to 100 Rafale fighter jets. The document was presented at the time as a political commitment rather than a purchase contract, and the broader package also included air defense systems, munitions and drones.
On the Swedish side, Kyiv and Stockholm have been discussing both a long-term Gripen E/F track of up to 150 jets and a possible interim C/D solution. Sweden’s 2024 military aid package included Gripen-related parts, intended to preserve the option of a future transfer of JAS 39C/D aircraft to Ukraine.
Gripen timeline points to Gripen C/D delivery
Zelenskyy has also said that some Gripens could be delivered before the end of 2026, a timeline that points to older Gripen C/D aircraft rather than new-build Gripen E/F jets.
Sweden is progressively replacing its Gripen C/D fleet with the newer E/F version. A possible transfer of C/D aircraft to Ukraine has been discussed for some time, but that track was paused so efforts could focus on bringing the F-16 into service.
