Overview
- Swedish defence minister Pål Jonson said financing talks for a possible purchase of up to 150 Gripen E jets are progressing, with Sweden prepared to cover part of the cost through military aid.
- Options under discussion include export credits, use of frozen Russian assets and Sweden’s 40 billion–crown Ukraine aid in both 2026 and 2027, alongside Ukrainian post-war budget contributions.
- Sweden has briefed a 16-nation Coalition of the Willing on co-financing, noting countries supplying Gripen components could have added incentives to contribute.
- Saab is examining production ramp-up and added assembly capacity beyond Sweden and Brazil, while Ukraine’s defence chief said a new memorandum aims for significant local Gripen manufacturing from 2033.
- Delivery remains contingent on a final contract and supplier approvals, with Sweden indicating new-build E/F jets would follow the war’s end as interim C/D transfers, pilot and mechanic training in Sweden, and new technical and financial working groups are considered.