Kyiv, Nov. 12 – Ukraine expects its first Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters in January or February 2027, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming on November 10 that the process is already underway as Kyiv presses partners to accelerate deliveries. These Swedish fighter jets will expand Ukraine’s combat aviation and air-defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks. Zelenskyy noted the aircraft could help counter Shahed drones, adding that Kyiv also needs additional F-16 fighters and ammunition because many existing aircraft require frequent maintenance due to age.
Sweden announced in May 2026 its intention to transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighters to Ukraine free of charge, provided plans to acquire newer models proceed, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. Ukrainian pilots and ground crews are already undergoing training to operate the Swedish jets. The Gripen C/D platform can employ a broad selection of Western air-to-air weapons, including IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and Meteor missiles, offering another versatile option for both air defense and conventional fighter operations.
“They are supposed to arrive in January-February, possibly in February. We raised the issue that we need them as quickly as possible. But the process is already underway. We’ll see how the Gripens perform against Shaheds,” Zelenskyy told journalists.
The C/D transfer forms only one part of Ukraine’s longer-term Gripen plans. Ukraine and Sweden signed an agreement covering the purchase of 16 newer Gripen E fighters, with initial deliveries expected in 2029. Kyiv ultimately aims to acquire between 100 and 150 Gripen E/F aircraft. Broader agreements also envision localizing parts of Gripen production, maintenance, and repair in Ukraine, with localization planned to begin in 2033.
These developments build on Ukraine’s existing Western platforms and recent operational use of the Swedish-supplied ASC 890 airborne early warning and control aircraft, which enhances long-range detection and coordination of aerial threats. The arrival of the first Gripen fighters early in 2027 would further strengthen Ukraine’s integrated air-defense network against drones and other threats while supporting the ongoing modernization of its Air Force.