Ukraine Buys 16 Gripen Fighter Jets from Sweden

JAKARTA - Ukraine and Sweden have signed an agreement to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft, which will be handed over to the Ukrainian armed forces in early 2027.

At the end of May, the Swedish government announced its plan to supply up to 36 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

According to the government, the old model fighter jets will be donated, while Ukraine will buy new fighter jets using a loan from the European Union of 2.5 billion euros (about Rp51.2 trillion).

"Together with Sweden, we continue to strengthen Ukraine's combat aviation capabilities. Today, our country signed an agreement to procure 16 Gripen E fighter jets," Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy said, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, July 1.

He added that the aircraft would be sent along with equipment, technical assistance, and related support.

The first 16 Gripen aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine in early 2027, Zelensky said.

Russia has repeatedly stated that supplying weapons to Ukraine could hinder efforts to resolve the conflict and directly involve the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that any shipment containing weapons for Ukraine would be considered a legitimate target for Russia.