Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft for Ukraine. The order value corresponds to approximately SEK 24.6 billion and the order will be booked in the third quarter 2026. Saab’s deliveries to FMV are scheduled to take place 2029-2030.

In addition to the 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft the contract also includes spare parts and associated items and equipment. 

“I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian Air Force’s capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and help ensure the nation can protect its people and safeguard its future,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Gripen is designed to address advanced threats in demanding environments.  Operational flexibility and resilience enable operations from short stretches, temporary runways or roads, supporting dispersed operations and high availability. The software-based architecture facilitates continuous upgrades and adaption to evolving operational requirements. With low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround, Gripen provides an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain.

READ: Saab GRIPEN E Canada – Fighter Jet

The Gripen E has also been offered to Canada as part of the country’s fighter fleet modernization discussions. While the government has committed to the F-35 as its primary next-generation fighter, there continues to be debate within defence circles about the optimal fleet mix.

In a recent CDR analysis, we examined the potential paths forward for Canada’s fighter fleet—all F-35, all Gripen, or a mixed fleet. The analysis points toward 60 F-35As and 40 Gripen Es as the most balanced path—pairing fifth-generation stealth with a platform built for Arctic operations.