Ukraine is taking a significant step towards the joint production of JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jets with Sweden. This cooperation is an important step towards modernizing Ukraine's air force and increasing its defense capabilities. This project also creates new opportunities for the Swedish defense industry.
Redaksiya reports that the first 22-24 Gripen E/F fighters are planned to be produced in Sweden by Saab. Subsequently, approximately 125 aircraft are intended to be assembled in Ukraine. If a final agreement is signed with Saab in 2026, the delivery of the first aircraft from Sweden could begin around 2035.
According to Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, assembly is planned to begin in 2033, and the participation of the Ukrainian defense industry in production will gradually expand, starting from the assembly of parts to the direct production of individual components on Ukrainian territory. Initially, Gripen C/D aircraft, which Sweden plans to hand over in 2026, are expected to arrive in Ukraine. These aircraft should provide an interim phase for rearming the air force until the production of the new E/F version begins. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Ukraine would receive its first Gripen aircraft no earlier than three years. He also noted that the delivery of all 150 aircraft in a single batch would not be possible.
It was previously known that Ukraine plans to sign a major agreement with Sweden for the acquisition of 100-150 units of the most modern Gripen E aircraft. The Swedish Prime Minister expects Ukraine to fully acquire this quantity of aircraft within 10-15 years. Preparatory work, including the creation of new production lines and specialist training, is planned to begin by 2030. Initially, assembly will be carried out from parts, and then a full production cycle will begin. Ukraine will officially start local production of modern Swedish JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters, and the first Ukrainian-assembled aircraft are expected to appear in 2034-2035.
Analysts from "Defense Express" note that this approach replicates the successful localization model implemented by Saab in Brazil and previously offered to India. Ukraine and Sweden have signed a memorandum on the joint production of 150 Gripen E/F fighters: the first Ukrainian-assembled aircraft is expected in 2034-2035. According to analysts' forecasts, "Gripen is an aircraft that Ukrainian pilots will fly in 2070 and even beyond."