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Sweden, Ukraine Sign LOI for Up to 150 Gripen E
Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on October 22, 2025, in Linköping for the possible sale of up to 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighters.
The agreement was announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following talks in Linköping, Sweden. The letter of intent (LOI) opens formal discussions about supplying modern Gripen E aircraft to Ukraine — a move that would mark one of the largest Western fighter procurements for Kyiv.
Details in the LOI remain preliminary. Swedish officials described the memorandum as the start of negotiations; it could still require parliamentary approvals, industrial contracts with Saab and export clearances. Public statements indicate the programme could involve more than 100 aircraft, with the headline ceiling set at 150 fighters.
What the Gripen E deal could mean
Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen E is named explicitly in the LOI. If completed, the purchase would deepen Sweden–Ukraine defence ties and reshape regional air power balances. Exact delivery timelines, basing plans and training packages were not disclosed in the LOI announcement; further talks are expected between governments and industry.
- Potential scope: up to 150 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighters mentioned in the LOI.
- Signing: LOI signed on October 22, 2025, in Linköping by PM Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Next steps: formal negotiations, industrial talks with Saab and required export and budget approvals.
Analysts say a deal of this size would involve long-term logistics, pilot training, weapons integration and support packages — elements typically negotiated after an LOI. Both capitals framed the agreement as a political and practical boost to Ukraine’s air-defence recovery, but the LOI does not yet create binding purchase obligations.
Expect clarification in coming weeks as Sweden and Ukraine move from intent to technical and commercial terms. For now, the October 22 LOI signals a major diplomatic step and puts the Gripen E squarely in discussions over Ukraine’s future fighter fleet.
