Saab to Supply Gripen E Fighter Aircraft for Ukraine

Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the acquisition of 16 Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft that will be provided to Ukraine as part of Sweden's long-term military assistance programme.

The contract is valued at approximately $2.55 billion and will be recorded in Saab's order book during the third quarter of 2026. Deliveries to FMV are scheduled for 2029 and 2030. In addition to the aircraft, the agreement includes spare parts, associated equipment and logistical support required to establish and sustain the Gripen E fleet.

Commenting on the announcement, Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson said the agreement represents an important step in supporting Ukraine's future defence capabilities. "I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian Air Force's capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defence and help ensure the nation can protect its people and safeguard its future."

The Gripen E is the latest version of Saab's Gripen family of multirole fighters and has been developed to operate in complex and highly contested environments. The aircraft combines advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and network-enabled operations with a design focused on operational flexibility and ease of maintenance.

Among its key features are an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, an advanced electronic warfare suite and compatibility with a broad range of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.

A defining characteristic of the Gripen E is its ability to operate from short runways, temporary airstrips and sections of public roads. This dispersed operating concept enables aircraft to continue flying even when conventional air bases are unavailable or under threat.

The aircraft's software-based architecture also allows capabilities to be updated over time, enabling new weapons, sensors and mission systems to be integrated as operational requirements evolve.

The inclusion of spare parts and support equipment reflects the emphasis on establishing a sustainable operational capability alongside the aircraft themselves. Saab has designed the Gripen E to require relatively low maintenance while supporting rapid turnaround between missions, allowing high aircraft availability.

The delivery schedule, beginning in 2029, forms part of a longer-term plan to modernise Ukraine's air combat capability with Western aircraft and support systems.

The contract also represents a significant milestone for the Gripen programme, expanding the aircraft's future operator base while reinforcing Sweden's ongoing support for Ukraine. Once delivered, the Gripen E will become one of the most advanced combat aircraft available to the Ukrainian Air Force, providing enhanced capabilities for air defence and multirole operations in the years ahead.