Ukraine to Receive Gripen Jets to Ross Shahed Drones
Ukraine expects its first Swedish Gripen fighter jets in January or February, following a June 30 delivery agreement.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Military
Ukraine and Sweden signed an agreement on June 30 for the delivery of 16 Gripen E fighter jets, with Sweden donating 16 aircraft and Ukraine purchasing another 22. The first Swedish Gripen jets are expected to arrive in January or February.
Why it matters
Ukraine plans to use the Gripen jets to destroy Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, while many of its F-16s are currently undergoing repairs. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel have already begun training on the Gripen.
Sweden will donate 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, and Ukraine will purchase another 22 aircraft under the June 30 agreement. Ukraine will assess Gripen performance against Shahed drones once the aircraft arrive.
The players
Sweden
Sweden is a Nordic country that is donating 16 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine and supplies the Gripen aircraft manufactured by Saab.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a Eastern European country at war with Russia that is receiving Gripen jets from Sweden and has begun pilot training on the aircraft.
The details
Ukraine and Sweden signed the Gripen delivery agreement on June 30, setting deadlines for transfer of the first batch of Gripen C/D aircraft. Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel have begun training on the jets, which Ukraine intends to use against Russian jet-powered Shahed drones.
Timeline
June 30: Ukraine and Sweden sign the Gripen delivery agreement.
January or February: First Swedish Gripen jets expected to arrive in Ukraine.
Roadmap
Sweden's Gripen agreement extends the pattern of Western fighter jet transfers to Ukraine, following earlier F-16 deliveries from Denmark and Norway. Many of those F-16s are now undergoing repairs, which increases Ukraine's need for additional aircraft.
The arrival of Gripen jets will expand Ukraine's air defense capabilities against Shahed drones as its F-16 fleet remains partly under repair. Readers following the conflict can track the arrival date and early performance reports as they become public.
The takeaway
Ukraine's Gripen acquisition shows how Western partners are supplementing legacy fighter fleets with newer aircraft to counter Russian drone attacks. Watch for arrival confirmation and early performance reports in early 2026.
What happens next
The first Swedish Gripen jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine in January or February, when Ukraine will begin evaluating their performance against Shahed drones.
Further reading
Explore more military coverage for background on fighter jet deliveries and defense procurement.
