Ukraine expects its pilots to begin training on the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets as early as 2026.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press conference with King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
“We are grateful for the new program to strengthen the defense of our airspace, regarding our future modern air fleet of Swedish-made aircraft, the Gripen. We very much hope—we will discuss this today with His Majesty—that our pilots will begin training this year,” the president said.
The president also emphasized that Sweden is one of the five largest donors of military aid to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in terms of the amount of funds allocated.
In total, Sweden has allocated 80 billion kronor in military aid for 2026–2027, equivalent to approximately $8.8 billion. This is almost equal to the total military aid provided during 2022–2025, which amounted to 88.1 billion kronor.
Gripen for Ukraine
Plans for Ukraine to purchase a significant number of Swedish fighter jets first became known in late October 2025. At that time, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a declaration of intent regarding cooperation in the defense sector.
The agreement paved the way for expanding the strategic partnership between the countries, which encompasses not only the purchase of 100–150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft, but also potential maintenance, pilot training, and the exchange of expertise in defense technologies.
During the signing of the document, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that this marks “the beginning of a long journey for the next 10–15 years.”
The countries have also reached agreements regarding the localization of production of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in Ukraine. Production is expected to be largely localized starting in 2033.
In late 2025, Ukraine and Sweden discussed for the first time the start of training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel for the Gripen fighters. And by early 2026, news emerged of negotiations regarding the transfer of long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles.
Ukraine plans to finance the initial procurement using part of the funds from the EU loan of €90 billion, as €60 billion of this amount is earmarked for military aid during 2026–2027. Swedish politicians are also considering the possibility of financing part of the contract through military aid mechanisms.
An agreement to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan over 2026–2027 was reached at the EU leadership level, but its disbursement, despite prior agreements, was blocked by the previous Hungarian government.
Following Viktor Orbán’s defeat in the Hungarian elections, the European Commission expects Ukraine to receive the first tranche of the total €90 billion as early as the second quarter of 2026.
