STOCKHOLM — Ulf Kristersson, Prime Minister of Sweden, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, signed a letter of intent in Linköping on 22 October, for Ukraine to potentially acquire up to 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets over the coming decade.
The Swedish government described the agreement as part of a long-term framework of air-force cooperation, exchange of defence expertise, and potential export of the Gripen E model, a modern 4.5-generation multi-role fighter manufactured by Saab. Ukrainian officials welcomed the deal as a key step towards rebuilding their air-capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kristersson emphasised that the letter of intent is not a binding contract for immediate deliveries, saying the path ahead spans “10–15 years” while production capacity is expanded and financing arranged. Zelenskyy remarked that Kyiv expects the future contract to enable delivery of at least 100 aircraft and noted Ukrainian pilots have begun training on the Gripen in Sweden.
The Gripen E jets are designed for operations in contested air-spaces, capable of short-runway deployment and high mission versatility—attributes Kyiv considers essential given the sustained missile and drone attacks on its infrastructure.
Analysts note that this landmark framework represents one of Sweden’s largest potential defence exports and signals a deeper strategic alignment between Stockholm and Kyiv, while Ukraine’s acquisition effort marks a shift toward building a modern, NATO-interoperable air force.
Pending final contract, export licences, funding and actual deliveries remain uncertain. Both governments underscore that the letter of intent lays groundwork for future negotiations, industrial participation and long-term commitment rather than immediate transfer of aircraft.
