Kyiv, Stockholm seal deal to localise Gripen jet production in Ukraine

Ukraine has reached an agreement with Sweden to localise the production of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets on its territory beginning in 2033, Ukrainian media reported.

Defence Minister Denis Shmyhal announced the development during a briefing, saying that on November 6, a memorandum was signed between a Ukrainian company and the Swedish defence manufacturer Saab, outlining plans for the future localisation of Gripen production in Ukraine.

According to Shmyhal, starting from 2033, the production of the aircraft will be substantially localised in Ukraine, covering a wide range of work, from large-unit assembly to the manufacture of individual components. He added that Ukraine and Sweden’s Defence Ministry have “worked out in detail” the agreements, which include the delivery of 150 Gripen fighters of the ECO class.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that communication regarding the timing of the delivery of these jets will remain restricted until all documents are finalised and the issue of financing is resolved. He emphasised that aviation remains a top priority for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also indicated that potential sources of financing for the delivery of the Gripen jets could include frozen Russian assets and bilateral agreements with Ukraine’s international partners.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently announced that Kyiv and Stockholm had reached a large-scale defence agreement under which Sweden will sell Ukraine up to 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighters over the next 15 years.

It was previously reported in October that Ukraine is expected to receive its first Gripen fighter jets from Sweden within the next three years.

By Tamilla Hasanova