Uppsala, Sweden Announces Major Defense Agreement
In a significant development from Uppsala, Sweden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson have announced a deal wherein Ukraine will purchase 20 new Gripen fighter jets, with an additional 16 older models to be donated by Sweden next year. This declaration was made during a press conference held by the two leaders.
Last year, both nations had drafted a letter of intent which facilitated Sweden’s proposal to sell as many as 150 Saab Gripen model E fighter jets to Ukraine, although the newer models will not be delivered for several years.
The acquisition of these jets is a top priority for enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The country’s defense minister hinted in May that a deal for the Gripen E jets could be concluded “within months” following the European Union’s approval of a €90 billion ($105 billion) financial aid package to Ukraine.
At the press event held at Uppsala air base, with two Gripen jets displayed prominently, Prime Minister Kristersson remarked, “Gripen is the best and optimal choice for Ukraine. So today, we take the next major step on this joint journey.”
President Zelenskyy expressed the strategic importance of this acquisition for Ukraine, stating, “We need these jets, and for us this is really a new page for Ukraine,” and confirmed the ambition to acquire all 150 jets mentioned in the initial agreement. He optimistically added, “God bless, we will have enough financing for this.”
In the interim, the transfer of the older model C/D jets provides a temporary boost to Ukraine’s air defenses.
Zelenskyy indicated that €2.5 billion from the €90 billion EU loan package has been allocated specifically for these aircraft, with expected deliveries of the new models starting from 2030.
A Significant Milestone for Saab, the Maker of Gripen
Following the announcement, shares in Saab saw an increase of 4.4% by 1141 GMT, positioning it as the leading performer in Europe at that time.
Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab, expressed his enthusiasm about the deal, noting its significance for the company and the growing interest in the Gripen jets. “The more countries that select the Gripen fighter … and it starts flying in operations in more countries, the more people understand what a fantastic capability this is,” Johansson explained to Reuters at the Uppsala air base.
Sweden has emerged as one of the top supporters of Ukraine, having contributed 128 billion Swedish crowns ($13.75 billion) in military and civilian aid to date, and has earmarked an additional 80 billion crowns for aid over the current and next year.
The Ukrainian air force, which currently operates a mix of Soviet-era and Western aircraft, views the Gripen as a cost-effective alternative to more advanced jets like the American F-35. The Gripen is noted for its ease of maintenance and ability to operate from dispersed locations, such as ordinary roads.
The deal also represents an opportunity for Sweden to capitalize on its expansive defense industry, which has seen increased demand since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
