Sweden expected to announce Gripen jet transfer to Ukraine today
Sweden is preparing to announce the transfer of several Jas 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine as early as Thursday, according to Aftonbladet.
The Swedish newspaper reported that Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is scheduled to visit Uppland Air Force Wing in Uppsala on May 28. A news conference is set to take place there, where Swedish officials are expected to announce news related to international cooperation in aviation — likely involving the transfer of aircraft to Ukraine.
According to Aftonbladet, officials are also expected to announce talks on the future sale of additional aircraft to Ukraine, this time the newer Gripen E model. Ukraine would pay for those jets using EU loans, the report said.
On October 22 last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kristersson signed a letter of intent on the purchase of 100 to 150 new Gripen fighters.
Kristersson said at the time that the agreement did not provide for immediate deliveries to Ukraine and was instead aimed at long-term cooperation. He described it as “the beginning of a long journey” lasting 10 to 15 years.
Zelenskyy later said the first of the 150 Swedish fighter jets would arrive as early as next year, or 2026.
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