In what could be the most significant upgrade to its air force since the war began, Ukraine is preparing to acquire up to 150 advanced Saab Gripen-E fighter jets from new NATO member Sweden.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson signed a letter of understanding on Wednesday for the massive purchase, which promises to be a “game changer” for both Kyiv’s defense and overall European security.
Why the Gripen-E Matters
While other allies have provided older Western aircraft like the F-16, the Swedish-made Gripen-E is a modern, high-tech platform perfectly suited to the conditions of the conflict:
- Tough and Flexible: Unlike larger, more complex jets, the Gripen is known for being cheap and easy to maintain. Crucially, it’s designed to operate from austere, dispersed locations—including highways and dirt roads—making it harder for Russia to destroy them on the ground.
- Cutting-Edge Tech: The “E” model is an almost entirely new aircraft, featuring a modern radar, advanced sensors, and even embedded AI capability to give pilots a decisive edge.
- Massive Firepower: Each single-engine jet carries 10 hard points for weapons, including new missile systems.
The agreement is a letter of understanding, meaning final details like cost and a full delivery schedule are pending. However, with Ukrainian pilots already training on older Gripen simulators, Kyiv is pushing hard for the delivery process to start as soon as next year. If the deal is finalized, Ukraine would become the world’s largest operator of the Gripen-E.
