Ukraine to Receive First Gripen Fighters by 2026: An Ambitious Plan to Strengthen Aerial Defense
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine is set to strengthen its air force with modern Gripen fighters in the coming years, marking a strategic milestone in the country’s defense capabilities.
Official sources indicate that the first aircraft of this type are expected to appear as early as 2026.
Ukraine aims to acquire a total of 150 such fighters, significantly boosting its aerospace potential.
This development follows a historic agreement with Sweden, recently signed, which involves the delivery of the Gripen E series fighters.
Zelensky emphasized that such measures are crucial for ensuring national security and highlighted that this is the first large-scale agreement concerning combat aircraft in Ukraine’s independence era.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that his country has signed a letter of intent with Ukraine to sell between 100 and 150 Gripen E fighters.
The delivery schedule could start within three years, and the Swedish fighters are noted for their lower cost, ease of maintenance, and seamless integration into the Ukrainian air defense systems, making them an optimal choice for the country’s military modernization.