The order will be booked in the third quarter of 2026. Saab’s deliveries to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration are scheduled to take place in 2029 and 2030.
The contract covers the 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft and also includes spare parts. It further includes associated items and equipment linked to the aircraft package.
“I am deeply proud that Sweden and Saab can now enable the provision of Gripen E to Ukraine, bringing a world-class fighter that will transform the Ukrainian Air Force’s capability. This will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and help ensure the nation can protect its people and safeguard its future,” says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
Saab said Gripen is designed to address advanced threats in demanding environments. The aircraft’s operational flexibility and resilience allow operations from short stretches, temporary runways or roads.
The company said these features support dispersed operations and high availability. Gripen’s software-based architecture also facilitates continuous upgrades and adaptation to evolving operational requirements.
Saab said the fighter has low maintenance requirements and fast turnaround. The company described Gripen as an advanced and cost-effective fighter capability that is easy to operate and maintain.
