Sweden preparing to transfer Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine

Sweden is preparing to hand over JAS 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, according to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. The exact number of aircraft to be transferred remains unknown at this time.

Sweden is making preparations to transfer JAS 39 C/D Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported on Wednesday, with the report subsequently picked up by Ukrainian news agency Unian.

The precise number of aircraft involved in the planned transfer has not been disclosed. The Gripen is a multirole fighter jet developed by Swedish aerospace company Saab, and it has been a topic of discussion in Ukraine's efforts to strengthen its air force amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Sweden, which joined NATO in March 2024, has been among the countries providing military support to Ukraine. A potential Gripen transfer would mark a significant step in that support, as fighter jets represent some of the most advanced military hardware Western nations have been asked to supply. Ukraine has long sought modern Western combat aircraft to improve its aerial capabilities on the battlefield.