Ukraine to Receive Gripen-E Fighter Jets in 2029, Its First All-New Western Aircraft

Agreement was signed to procure 16 Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E multirole Fighters equipped with the latest AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare system.

Ukraine is set to receive its most modern fighter aircraft, 16 Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E multirole Fighters by 2029, an agreement for which was in Kyiv on June 30.

The agreement was signed in the presence of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and representatives of the ministries of defence of both countries in Kyiv on Sunday.

Ukraine to receive the first Gripen E aircraft in early 2029 and will begin operations almost immediately.

In parallel, Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already receiving the required training with the support of partner countries.

Ukraine will also receive an older variant of the JAS 39 which the Swedish Air Force is phasing out, as military assistance  the first 16 Gripen C/D aircraft are scheduled to arrive in early 2027.

How Gripen E will challenge the Russian Air Force

The acquisition of these aircraft will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, helping them more effectively destroy enemy cruise missiles and drones and support combat operations along the frontline.

The Gripen E aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanning Assey (AESA) radar- which no other aircraft in Ukraine’s current inventory have- and one of the world’s best electronic warfare (EW) systems.

This enables Ukrainian pilots to detect threats first and effectively jam enemy radars and air defence systems.

Increased performance: thanks to its new engine and increased fuel capacity, the aircraft can carry a larger weapons payload and remain airborne for longer during operational missions.

Armament: the aircraft can be armed with the Meteor air-to-air missile, which has a range of more than 100 km.

The agreement is being implemented through a European loan, with support from the United Kingdom, one of Ukraine's strategic partners.