Ukraine expects to receive Swedish Gripen jets, but Sweden has yet to confirm supply
September 30, 2025
Ukraine has, for the first time, publicly stated that it expects to receive Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, long considered ideal for Kyiv’s battlefield needs, but there is no official word from Stockholm.
The revelation came from Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister, in an interview with the BBC Ukrainian Service. When asked whether Kyiv was anticipating deliveries of F-16s, Mirage 2000s, and Gripens, Havryliuk confirmed: “You have named the correct list… we are expecting them.”
This is the first public confirmation by a senior Ukrainian official that the Swedish Gripen has officially made it onto Ukraine’s incoming list of Western aircraft, a significant move, both symbolically and strategically.
But the statement was made without any accompanying detail and, more importantly, without confirmation from Sweden
Sweden holds a cautious position on Gripen supply, indicating decisions may only come after the war
While Ukraine is signalling expectation, Sweden has not confirmed any Gripen transfer to Ukraine at this stage.
In fact, earlier statements from Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson suggested the country is open to discussions about supplying Gripens only after the war ends and not before.
This contrast between the two positions has fuelled speculation that the comments from Havryliuk may be referring to longer-term post-war arrangements, rather than any imminent deliveries.
It’s possible the Deputy Minister’s wording was diplomatic or deliberately vague, hinting at political intentions or ongoing backchannel negotiations rather than confirmed action. It could also be aimed at maintaining momentum in Ukraine’s international military support narrative, particularly as it battles increasing waves of Russian missile and drone attacks.
Why Ukraine wants the Gripen: A jet designed with Russia in mind and built for dispersed warfare
The JAS 39 Gripen, produced by Sweden’s Saab, is often described as the most suitable Western jet for Ukraine and not just for its low operating costs or compatibility with NATO weapons.
The Gripen was designed in the Cold War era with one primary threat in mind: the Soviet Union. As such, it was built for rapid operations on short, improvised runways, including roads, a critical asset in a country where fixed airbases are regularly targeted by Russian missiles.
Its combat radius of 1,500 km, supersonic speed of over 2,100 km/h, and advanced electronic warfare systems make it a formidable multi-role platform. It can strike ground targets, intercept drones, and carry out reconnaissance, all while requiring minimal logistical support compared to other 4th-gen fighters like the F-16.
Additionally, the Gripen’s low flight-hour cost (around $4,000) makes it appealing to a country managing resources carefully during an ongoing war. Unlike many Western jets, it was built from the ground up for survivability, rugged operations, and independence
Ukraine’s air force is diversifying rapidly, but every new aircraft type brings challenges
If Ukraine were to acquire Gripens, it would become the third major Western jet type to join its air force after the American F-16s and French Mirage 2000s, both of which have already begun arriving in small numbers.
But every additional aircraft introduces logistical complexity. Fighter jets are not plug-and-play assets. They require training, spare parts, technical manuals, simulators, and skilled maintenance crews.
As with the F-16 programme, bringing the Gripen into operational service would involve months of training for both pilots and technicians. Ukraine’s own pilots have previously undergone orientation training on the Gripen in Sweden in 2023, which Defence Minister Jonson said had “gone well.”
However, there is no information on whether more extensive training is currently underway.
Since the summer, weapons from the United States have been coming to Ukraine through a new programme of priority needs called International Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List or PURL.
Still, the advantages could outweigh the challenges. Ukraine is fighting an attritional war where air superiority remains contested, and each additional capable platform could help neutralise Russian threats.
Gripen fighter jets could give Ukraine critical new tools to intercept drones and strike Russian targets
Even if used in small numbers, Gripens could prove highly valuable in Ukraine’s current context, especially in intercepting Russian drones and missiles. In September alone, Russia launched over 500 drones and 40 missiles in one month, with devastating effects on Ukrainian cities.
The Mirage and F-16s already in Ukrainian service are actively engaged in counter-drone operations. Gripens, with their fast-response capabilities, advanced radar systems, and NATO-compatible weaponry (including the Meteor beyond-visual-range missile), could be another potent tool in Ukraine’s growing aerial toolkit.
Notably, Gripens have seen limited combat use until recently. But in 2025, Thailand reportedly used them in a border conflict with Cambodia alongside F-16s, after which it ordered more aircraft from Sweden. This marks the jet’s real-world combat debut, and its performance underlined its flexibility and resilience.
A question of timing: Will Ukraine receive Gripens during the war or only after?
There is still no official timeline, quantity, or variant disclosed regarding any potential Gripen supply. The fighter exists in multiple configurations: the Gripen C/D (4+ gen) and the more modern Gripen E/F (4++ gen), with stealth enhancements and a new engine.
Even assuming Sweden approves the transfer, the question remains whether this would happen during active combat operations or only as part of post-war rebuilding. The latter would be in line with Sweden’s current public stance and more manageable logistically.
As Havryliuk mentioned, “Let’s see them in the air over Ukraine, then you will understand.”
Whether the aircraft would come via government-to-government transfer, Saab’s direct involvement, or third-party leasing also remains unclear.
What’s next for Ukraine and the Gripen?
For now, the Swedish Gripen remains an “expected” capability rather than a confirmed commitment. Ukraine’s announcement appears aimed at keeping international momentum alive, securing continued support, and signalling to allies that Kyiv is ready to integrate advanced platforms as soon as they are made available.
Whether or not Sweden moves forward with a transfer during wartime, the symbolism of Gripen’s inclusion in Ukraine’s expectations sends a clear message: Ukraine is planning for a future in which its air force is NATO-compatible, survivable, and strategically diversified.
