Ukraine and Sweden could finalize a deal for Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets within months, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said during a visit to Stockholm, according to Reuters.
The two countries signed a letter of intent last year covering a potential order of up to 150 aircraft. Fedorov said Kyiv has now defined how it intends to fund the purchase.
“We have our plan how to finance it,” he said at a joint press conference. “I think in a few months it will be good news for your country, for our country and bad news for Russians.”
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April 30, 2026
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said negotiations are advancing and did not rule out an agreement being reached this year. Part of the 80 billion Swedish crowns ($8.7 billion) allocated for support to Ukraine in the 2026–2027 budget could be used to help finance the acquisition.
Deliveries of newly built aircraft would take several years after a contract is signed, with an estimated timeline of about three years. In parallel, Sweden is discussing the possibility of supplying older Gripen variants through loan, sale or donation, which could enter service more quickly.
Jonson said Sweden is also engaging with other countries on contributions to the package, including training and weapons systems.
The Gripen E/F is a fourth-generation fighter and is often compared with the Lockheed Martin F-35 as a lower-cost alternative, particularly for countries seeking simpler logistics and operating requirements.
Saab’s chief executive has said in recent interviews that an agreement could be signed this year, which would make it the largest defense export deal in Sweden’s history.
Funding prospects have also improved after Hungary lifted its veto on a €90 billion European Union loan package for Ukraine, opening the way for additional financial support for military procurement.
