Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a deal with Sweden that could potentially see Ukraine receive up to 150 Gripen E fighter jets, in a major blow for Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian President touched down in Linkoping just after noon on Wednesday where he held talks with Sweden’s prime minister Ulf Kristersson.
The Swedish city is home to the defence company Saab, which produces Gripen jets and other military weapons. Top of the agenda were talks over the potential sale of JAS 39 Gripen E fighter planes to Ukraine. The model is the latests version of the jet, and boasts a more powerful engine, longer range, as well as more advanced radar and electronics than previous ones.
Ukraine is keen to add to its stock of Western fighter jets, which already include the Mirage 2000 and F-16.
President Zelensky said Ukraine aims to purchase at least 100 Gripens as part of the new deal. He added that Kyiv will do everything within its power to ensure that deliveries of the Swedish plane start as early as next year.
“We understand who we are fighting against, and the Gripen is one of the best (fighters) in the world,” he said.
Zelensky went on to reveal that Ukrainian pilots have already started training on the Swedish planes.
Prime Minister Kristersson said the deal would pave the way for the purchase of between “100 to 150” of the fighter jets over a “10 to 15 year period”.
However, he cautioned that production of the new jet was still at an early stage and that deliveries of the plane could “practically” start within the next three years.
Prior to the meeting, the Swedish leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s war effort.
“A strong and capable Ukraine is a key priority for Sweden, and we will continue to make sure Ukraine can fight back against Russia’s aggression,” he wrote on his X social media account.
“Looking forward to discussing how to further our cooperation — we have a lot to learn from each other.”
Sweden has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale invasion in 2022. It has supplied Kyiv with tanks, artillery, armoured vehicles and reconnaissance planes.