Sweden and Ukraine agreed to export fighter jets under a new letter of intent. This could provide Ukraine with up to 150 Saab Gripen aircraft. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed the agreement in Linköping, Sweden.
The Saab Gripen, a fourth-generation multi-role fighter, performs diverse missions. These include air-to-air combat, bombing operations, and reconnaissance. Designed for flexibility and efficiency, the Gripen offers a cost-effective option. This is compared with more expensive fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35.
Sweden has signed a letter of intent that could see it supply up to 150 of its domestically produced Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine. What is the Gripen fighter jet, and what does it have to offer Ukraine? https://t.co/zXALOiumnG pic.twitter.com/WaN3fDSKSF
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 23, 2025The name “Gripen,” meaning “Griffin” in Swedish, reflects the aircraft’s strength and adaptability. The first model entered service in 1996. Continuous upgrades have led to the current Gripen E variant, which Sweden’s Air Force recently received.
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Used by several nations, including Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, and Hungary, the Gripen has participated in air policing and multinational operations. These include NATO’s missions in Poland and Libya. Measuring over 15 meters in length and weighing 16.5 tonnes, the Gripen E is known for its efficiency. It can refuel, rearm, and return to flight within 10 to 20 minutes after landing. Its ability to operate from unprepared airstrips provides a major tactical advantage. This is crucial for rapid-response missions.
