Sweden Announces $2.7 Billion in Military Aid to Ukraine, Including Gripen Fighter Jets

Sweden announced a new military aid package worth around $2.7 billion for Ukraine on Thursday, including plans to donate 16 Saab Gripen C/D fighter jets and deepen long-term defense cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Uppsala, Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Ukraine and Sweden had signed a declaration to expand defense cooperation.

"Today, we are taking the next step," PM Kristersson said, launching Anadolu (28/5).

"Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate incredible resilience, skill, and determination in defending your country and our values," he continued.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky said this was a "historic day" for relations between the two countries, saying the package would significantly strengthen Ukraine's air defenses and ability to protect civilians amid the war with Russia.

He explained that more than 2 billion US dollars from the package was allocated for aircraft and related weapons systems, while about 400 million US dollars would support drone production.

"Ukraine hopes to receive its first plane in the next 10 months," said President Zelensky.

Meanwhile, PM Kristersson said the delivery of the Gripen C/D aircraft could begin in early 2027, depending on the approval of export licenses and the completion of agreements related to the newer Gripen E aircraft.

Separately, Saab said in a statement that Ukraine intends to acquire an initial batch of up to 20 newer Gripen models in addition to the 16 donated aircraft, although the company said no contracts had been signed and no orders had been received.

The Swedish-made Saab Gripen is a multi-role fighter aircraft designed for air defense and combat operations.

President Zelensky said the Gripen C/D aircraft is expected to carry missiles capable of pushing Russian fighter jets further from the positions used to launch guided cruise bombs against Ukraine.

He said Russia had used "thousands" of aerial bombs during the war, destroying civilian areas and vital infrastructure in the region including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv and Sumy.

The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to press Western allies for advanced weapons systems to counter Russia's increased air raids and maintain pressure along the front lines.