Ukraine plans to buy 150 Gripen fighter jets with US$107 billion from the European Union

Ukraine plans to buy 150 Gripen fighter jets with US$107 billion from the European Union
Ukraine plans to buy 150 Gripen fighter jets with US$107 billion from the European Union (X @Maks_NAFO_FELLA)

Ukraine intends to use part of the US$107.1 billion loan approved by the European Union to acquire Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets and strengthen its air defense system.

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The information was confirmed by Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Pål Jonson, after a meeting with the new Ukrainian representative, Mykhailo Fedorov.

The financial package was approved under an urgent procedure by the European Parliament and provides €90 billion for the period from 2026 to 2027. Of the total amount, US$35.7 billion will be allocated to macro-financial assistance and budget support through the European support mechanism for Ukraine, while US$71.4 billion will be reserved for strengthening military capabilities and purchasing defense equipment.

According to Jonson, there is still no set date for the completion of the fighter jet purchase. The Swedish government is also negotiating with other countries on possible participation in co-financing the project, in what has been described as an intensive phase of diplomatic and technical talks.

In October 2025, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent that paved the way for a formal contract for the supply of the Gripen jets. Kyiv expects to receive the first units of the planned 150 fighter jets as early as 2026. During the signing, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term cooperation that could last up to 15 years, including local production of the aircraft on Ukrainian territory.

Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @Maks_NAFO_FELLA | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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