Overview
- Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a letter of intent in Linköping that frames talks on exporting roughly 100–150 Saab Gripen fighters to Ukraine.
- The LOI is not a purchase contract; key details such as financing, exact quantities, variant mix, and delivery timelines remain under negotiation.
- Kristersson estimated about three years to first new-build deliveries, with the full program potentially spanning 10–15 years, while Zelenskyy voiced hope for initial results in 2026.
- Sweden and partners are exploring long-term financing options, including discussions on using frozen Russian assets, as Saab expands capacity toward roughly 20–30 jets per year.
- Officials and media have raised the possibility of a small interim transfer of older Gripen C/D aircraft as training and integration continue alongside Ukraine’s growing Western fighter fleet.