The package will help Ukraine field a squadron of 16 Gripen E fighter jets by 2029. It also covers pilot and engineer training, simulators, spare parts and other equipment needed to bring the aircraft into frontline service.
The government said the Gripen programme will support 5,000 highly skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies that supply the global aircraft programme. Those companies include parts of the UK defence sector from Saab UK in Fareham to Leonardo UK in Edinburgh.
“Over the past two years, I have visited Ukraine four times and seen first-hand the devastation Russia has inflicted, the rubble and destruction left behind, the constant threat of drone attacks, and the harrowing stories of those whose lives have been torn apart by this war,” Starmer said. “That is why the UK’s support will never waver. Today’s investment will help put advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies, strengthening their ability to defend their country while supporting thousands of skilled jobs here at home.”
“From British engineers to Ukrainian pilots, this is our partnership in action, building Ukraine’s long-term security, strengthening Britain’s defence industry, and showing Putin that we are not going anywhere,” Starmer said. The announcement was made as the Prime Minister visited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.
The Gripen aircraft are intended to help Ukraine build a more modern air force as it continues to face Russian attacks. The jets are capable of air-to-air combat, strikes against ground targets and reconnaissance missions.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said British companies had played a vital role in supporting Ukraine’s armed forces. “I’m proud of how our nation has supported Ukraine’s courageous resistance, and the vital role our British businesses have played to ensure Ukrainian Armed Forces can fight now and deter in the future.”
“These fighter jets will help give Ukraine the air power needed to deter Putin, and this investment supports thousands of good jobs across our nation,” Jarvis said. The announcement builds on Starmer’s commitment to deliver 150,000 drones and thousands of air defence missiles to Ukraine this year.
The government said Gripen’s low maintenance requirements and ability to operate with small ground crews make the aircraft well suited to Ukraine’s operational needs. It also said the aircraft are highly interoperable with NATO forces and have previously operated alongside UK aircraft.
Last summer, Swedish Gripens deployed alongside the Royal Air Force in Poland as part of NATO’s air policing mission. The UK is providing £3 billion in military support to Ukraine this year and continues to co-lead the Ukraine Defence Contact Group as part of wider efforts to equip Kyiv and support a lasting peace.
Source: UK Government (press release).
