President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Minister for Defense of Sweden Pål Jonson, during which the two countries signed an agreement for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets.
In the presence of the Head of State and the defense ministers of Ukraine and Sweden, the document was signed by Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev and Director General of the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration Mikael Granholm.
Deliveries of the 16 Gripen E aircraft will begin in early 2029. The procurement will be financed through a European Union loan, with support from the United Kingdom.
Under the agreement, Ukraine will also receive aircraft equipment, technical assistance, and logistical support. Training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is already underway in Sweden.
In addition, Ukraine will receive the first 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets in early 2027 as military assistance from Sweden.
The Head of State thanked the Swedish side for implementing the agreements on the delivery of Gripen aircraft reached during his meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in May. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the Gripen agreement will strengthen Ukraine’s Armed Forces and our capabilities in the air.
The Minister for Defense of Sweden noted that the decision to supply Gripen aircraft marks a turning point for the concept of Ukraine’s Air Force.
During the meeting, the parties discussed further strengthening Ukraine’s combat aviation and air defense. In particular, they addressed Sweden’s participation in the PURL initiative and additional contributions to it, as well as work on the development of European anti-ballistic defense.
Attention was also given to preparations for a Drone Deal agreement. According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to sign this document with Sweden as soon as possible.
The Head of State informed the Swedish side about the situation on the battlefield, successful operations by Ukrainian warriors, and the plans of the Defense Forces. Pål Jonson noted Ukraine’s successes on the front line.
They also discussed the challenges Ukraine faces in preparing for winter and the areas in which Sweden can provide assistance.
Particular attention was given to Ukraine’s progress on the path to full EU membership. Sweden fully supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
“We are grateful to have such strong partners – the Swedish people, the Swedish Government, and companies. A strong private sector is also very important. Thank you for this, and for the annual military support, the military packages, which are extremely important. Of course, political support on the path to the EU is also vital. Sweden is truly advocating for Ukraine’s future membership on its part,” the President emphasized.