Swedish defense company Saab has signed an official agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply 16 Gripen E multirole fighter jets intended for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The total value of the contract is approximately $2.34 billion. Saab expects to officially record the order in its backlog during the third quarter of 2026. Under the agreed schedule, the company will deliver the aircraft to FMV between 2029 and 2030.
In addition to manufacturing and delivering the 16 Gripen E fighter jets, the agreement also includes a package of spare parts, as well as all necessary supporting equipment and ancillary assets. Commenting on the agreement, Micael Johansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saab, said he was deeply proud that Sweden and the company had been given the opportunity to provide Gripen E aircraft to Ukraine. He emphasized that the introduction of these advanced multirole fighters would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, strengthen the country’s air defense network, and play an important role in protecting civilians while contributing to Ukraine’s long-term security.
The Gripen has been designed to counter modern threats in demanding combat environments. Thanks to its high level of operational flexibility and survivability, the aircraft can effectively conduct missions from short runways, public roads, or improvised airstrips. This capability enables dispersed operations, improving fleet resilience while maintaining a high level of combat readiness.
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The aircraft’s software-defined architecture enables regular upgrades and rapid adaptation to evolving operational requirements. At the same time, the Gripen is designed for low maintenance demands and quick turnaround between sorties, delivering advanced yet cost-effective combat capabilities while remaining straightforward to operate and support.
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Source: saab
