Sweden’s Gripen Fighter Jet Expands Global Orders, Ukraine Secures 36 Aircraft

Ukraine will spend EUR 2.5 billion from an EU loan to buy 20 Swedish Gripen E/F fighter jets, while Sweden donates 16 older Gripen C/D aircraft as defense aid. Brazil also plans to purchase 20 additional Gripen jets, with manufacturing in Brazil. These orders underscore growing international demand for the Swedish fighter and test Saab’s ability to scale production from 20-30 aircraft per year.

Ukraine’s Fighter Jet Deal Takes Shape

Ukraine will allocate EUR 2.5 billion from an EU loan to purchase 20 Gripen E/F jets, the latest generation model. Sweden also intends to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft to Ukraine as defense aid. Ukraine’s long-term ambition is 100-150 Gripen aircraft, according to Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.

Deliveries of the older Gripen C/D models are scheduled to begin early next year, after necessary approvals. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel are already undergoing training, with expanded programs planned for fall 2026. The C/D aircraft can carry IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and long-range Meteor missiles.

Brazil Signals Second Purchase Wave

Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen E/F jets from Saab, with manufacturing to occur in Brazil. The country originally agreed to buy 36 Gripen jets in 2014 for USD 4.5 billion. In March 2026, Brazil unveiled the first Gripen built on its soil at Embraer’s facilities in Gaviao Peixoto, São Paulo.

The additional aircraft signal that the partnership is working well, according to Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio. Sweden and Brazil also agreed to establish a center in Brazil for developing systems and equipment for Gripen operations and maintenance.

Production Capacity Becomes Critical Test

Saab can produce 20-30 aircraft annually and is preparing to increase output further. Ukraine expects to localize Gripen production starting in 2033, covering major assembly and component manufacturing. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that delivering 150 aircraft to Ukraine will take 10-15 years due to production constraints.

The combined orders from Ukraine and Brazil total 56 new aircraft, plus Ukraine’s 16 donated jets. This demand surge tests whether Saab can maintain delivery schedules while meeting quality and technical support requirements for multiple nations.

Training Accelerates Ahead of Deployment

Ukrainian pilots have already begun training on Gripen simulators and aircraft. Swedish Defense Minister Jonson called the introduction of Gripen fighters into Ukraine’s inventory a new chapter in air defense. Training will expand this fall to prepare pilots for the C/D models arriving in early 2027.

Ukraine expects to receive its first Gripen C/D jets in 2026, likely in the final months of the year. The aircraft will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and build a modern air force for the coming decades, according to Swedish officials.

Final Thoughts

Ukraine and Brazil’s combined orders for 56 new Gripen jets, plus Ukraine’s 16 donated aircraft, signal strong international confidence in the Swedish fighter. Saab’s production capacity of 20-30 jets per year will be tested as it manages deliveries across multiple nations over the next decade.

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