Expressen: Zelenskyy in Sweden to discuss potential fighter jet deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Sweden to discuss a potential deal for the supply of Swedish fighter jets to Kyiv, Swedish newspaper Expressen reports.

Zelenskyy is set to meet Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to explore what the publication described as a “possible larger export agreement.” The leaders will also visit Saab’s facilities in Linköping.

Speaking to Swedish broadcaster SVT, Kristersson said the discussions would focus on “one of the best fighter jets in the world,” without specifying the exact model under consideration.

Sweden and Ukraine have deepened military ties since Russia's 2022 invasion, with Stockholm emerging as a key European supporter. Sweden abandoned its 200-year neutrality, joined NATO in 2024, and has provided over $4.37 billion in aid, including artillery, armoured vehicles like CV90s, drones, and two ASC 890 surveillance aircraft for enhanced air defence.

Discussions on fighter jets began in 2023, when Ukrainian pilots trained on Saab's JAS 39 Gripen—a versatile, NATO-compatible multirole jet ideal for short-runway operations amid Russian strikes on airbases.

Initial plans for 10-14 Gripen C/D transfers were paused in mid-2024 at NATO allies' urging, prioritising F-16 integration to avoid logistical overload; France's Mirage 2000 deliveries followed suit.

Sweden responded with preparatory aid: September 2024's $400 million package included Gripen spare parts, followed by November's components for 14 jets, signalling future viability. Talks also explored upgrading Ukraine's Soviet MiG-29s/Su-27s with Saab avionics for interim boosts.

By August 2025, Zelenskyy hailed a "strong, decades-long" aviation project, though sales of advanced Gripen E/F were eyed post-war. Recent meetings, like October 2 in Copenhagen, reaffirmed Kyiv's interest, paving the way for Zelenskyy's Linköping visit to Saab facilities. This "defence export" push underscores Sweden's strategic pivot toward long-term Ukrainian air power.

By Aghakazim Guliyev