Photo: EPA
Sweden is preparing to transfer several JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, according to Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet.
Sources cited by the publication claim that the Swedish government will soon deliver a number of JAS 39 C/D fighter aircraft to Ukraine. At the same time, negotiations are expected to begin shortly on the potential future sale of additional modern JAS 39E models.
According to the report, Ukraine is expected to finance the acquisition of the aircraft through an EU loan mechanism.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is expected to visit an airbase in Uppsala on Thursday, May 28, where he is likely to provide further details during a press conference.
Earlier reports indicated that in October 2025 Ukraine signed a letter of intent with Sweden for the purchase of 100–150 modern JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that 2026 could mark the beginning of their operational use by Ukraine, with an initial target of at least 100 aircraft.
In April, Zelensky also said that he expects Ukrainian pilots to begin training on Gripen jets within the same year.
Military analysts have previously debated the potential impact and challenges of integrating Swedish Gripen fighters into Ukraine’s air force structure.
