Ukrainian pilots already undergo training on Gripen fighter jets – Swedish Defense Minister
According to Ukrinform, this was announced by Sweden's Defense Minister Pål Jonson on X.
🇸🇪🇺🇦 The Gripens are coming.
— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) May 28, 2026
Russia tried to break Ukraine from the skies. Ukraine is now building air power with Swedish fighters: buying up to 20 Gripen E/F for its future air force, while Sweden will donate 16 Gripen C/D.
A new chapter for Ukraine’s air defence. (1/8) pic.twitter.com/HV3eeIZ6sV
He described the transfer of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen as a new stage in the development of Ukraine's air defense.
"Ukraine is not just receiving aircraft. Ukraine is building a modern air force able to fight, survive and adapt under the hardest conditions in Europe," Jonson wrote.
He said that training for Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel is already underway and will expand further in the fall. He added that, once all approvals are obtained, deliveries of Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine are planned to begin early next year.
"The goal is clear: to strengthen Ukraine more quickly now and to build a modern air force for the coming decades. A stronger Ukrainian air force makes Ukraine safer, Europe stronger and Russia's room for aggression smaller," Jonson noted.
He also emphasized that this is part of Sweden's 22nd military aid package for Ukraine. Including this package, Sweden's total military assistance since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion amounts to approximately EUR 11.8 billion.
As previously reported, Sweden today allocated a $2.7 billion support package for Ukraine, including nearly $400 million for drone production as well as the transfer of Gripen fighter jets.
In particular, the Swedish government approved the purchase of up to 20 Gripen E/F combat aircraft for Ukraine through the EU's Ukraine Support Loan mechanism. After that, Sweden also plans to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as part of bilateral assistance.
