Swedish defense company Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish State Agency for Defense Procurement (FMV) for the production of 16 JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets, destined for Ukraine. The deal, worth about 2.7 billion euros, also includes spare parts, software, logistical support and armament.

According to published information, Saab has received the order from the Swedish state, while it has not yet been confirmed whether Kiev has signed a separate contract with FMV for the acquisition of the aircraft. Based on the agreements so far, Ukraine is expected to receive one used Gripen C/D aircraft for each of the 16 new Gripen E aircraft.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonsson said Ukraine's long-term goal is to create an air force based on Gripen aircraft, with the aim of acquiring up to 150 units. He added that the United Kingdom is also contributing to the project by partially financing the purchase.

According to Johnson, the Gripen is specially adapted for the conditions of the war in Ukraine. It has lower maintenance costs than the American F-16, can operate from ordinary runways and requires less logistical support. A trained crew can refuel and resupply the aircraft in just 15 minutes.

The Gripen was developed over decades to counter Soviet and then Russian threats. The Gripen E variant is designed to combat Russian air defense systems and Sukhoi family fighter jets, including the Su-30 and its more advanced versions.

However, according to Saab, deliveries of the new Gripen E aircraft will only begin in 2029 and end in 2030, which leaves open the possibility that they will not be used in the current war if the conflict ends by then.

Meanwhile, used Gripen C/D aircraft, which Minister Johnson described as still "fairly modern" despite being up to 20 years old, could be delivered to Ukraine as early as the first half of 2027.

Swedish analysts believe that the agreement also has a strong political dimension, aiming to increase pressure on Russia and send the message that Western support for Ukraine will continue in the long term. /Telegraph/

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