Source: Saab Press Release & Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), “Saab signs contract for 16 Gripen E for Ukraine”, June 30, 2026

AeroMorning – John Smith – July 1, 2026

Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the production of 16 Gripen E fighter aircraft, which will be delivered to Ukraine under a Swedish–Ukrainian cooperation programme.

The financing structure is mixed and primarily state-driven rather than a conventional commercial sale. It is expected to combine Swedish defence budget allocations (bilateral military aid), European Union support mechanisms for Ukraine, potential contributions from NATO partners, Ukrainian co-financing (likely deferred), as well as export credit guarantees primarily backed by the Swedish state, potentially supplemented by European or partner-country financial instruments.

The value of the agreement is estimated at approximately 24.6 billion Swedish kronor (SEK), or around $2.5 billion.

The contract covers not only the aircraft but also spare parts, mission equipment, and full logistical and technical support, according to Saab and FMV.

Delivery schedule

According to official information:

• Start of deliveries: 2029
• End of deliveries: 2030

The aircraft will initially be delivered to Sweden (FMV) before being transferred to Ukraine under the bilateral cooperation framework.

Structure of the Ukraine Gripen programme

The 16-aircraft order forms part of a broader long-term air capability cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine, including:

• a potential future acquisition of up to 150 Gripen E/F aircraft by Ukraine
• a separate transfer of 16 older-generation Gripen C/D aircraft
• pilot and maintenance training programmes conducted in Sweden

Strategic context

The contract marks Ukraine’s first firm procurement of the Gripen E and represents a significant step in the modernisation of its combat aviation capabilities.

It forms part of a wider effort to:

• improve interoperability with NATO forces
• phase out inherited Soviet-era fleets (MiG and Sukhoi aircraft)
• establish a fully Western-aligned combat aviation structure

Industrial content of the contract

The package includes:

• 16 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets
• full logistical support
• spare parts and ground equipment
• mission systems and integration support
• training and technical assistance

International positioning

With this order:

• Ukraine becomes a new operator of the Gripen E
• Saab secures a major reference customer in Eastern Europe
• the Gripen strengthens its competitive position against modernised F-16 variants and the F-35 programme

Conclusion

The contract signed on June 30, 2026 between Saab and FMV represents a binding industrial agreement, distinct from earlier political statements made in May 2026.

It confirms:

• 16 Gripen E aircraft ordered
• ~$2.5 billion contract value
• 2029–2030 delivery timeframe
• full support, logistics and training package