Overview
- Swedish defence minister Pål Jonson said financing talks are moving forward and Sweden could cover part of the cost through military aid, export credits, frozen Russian assets and contributions from a 16-country coalition.
- An October 22 letter of intent outlines an export framework for 100–150 Gripens, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson saying first new-build deliveries would likely occur about three years after a final contract.
- Ukraine signed a memorandum with Saab to localise Gripen production in-country from around 2033 and set up technical and financial working groups to prepare for the program.
- Kyiv is pressing for interim delivery of older C/D models as early as 2026 and says pilots and mechanics are ready to begin training in Sweden to align with initial transfers.
- Saab says it can ramp up output and is evaluating added assembly capacity beyond Sweden and Brazil, with cooperation options including Ukraine and reported talks with Bombardier in Canada; the aircraft uses GE engines and UK-made components.