Ukraine is nearing the acquisition of Swedish Gripen fighter jets as part of its ongoing efforts to obtain fourth-generation aircraft, which are designed to operate from austere airstrips.

On October 22, Ukrainian and Swedish officials signed a letter of intent regarding the export of up to 150 Gripen jets to Kyiv. This acquisition could potentially give Ukraine an advantage against various electronic warfare and missile threats.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson indicated that Ukraine has requested between 100 and 150 Gripen aircraft, specifically the latest E variant. The Swedish government is currently exploring long-term financing options to support such a significant order.

During a press conference in Linköping, where the Swedish aerospace company Saab is located, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mentioned that the first deliveries of the Gripen jets could begin in approximately three years. “We are talking about the latest generation, which was literally recently presented in Sweden, production is just beginning here. Therefore, we are talking about three years in practice,” Kristersson said.

However, he also noted that building and delivering all 150 units to Ukraine could take ten years or more. Recently, the Swedish Air Force’s F7 Wing became the first operational unit to receive and operate the Gripen E.

The E variant is the most advanced model in the Gripen family, featuring high-end electronic warfare capabilities, according to Saab’s website. These jets are expected to be particularly advantageous for Ukraine, especially amidst ongoing war pressures, as they allow for dispersed aerial operations from shorter, less refined airstrips.

Moreover, the Gripen E will enable the Ukrainian Air Force to conduct air-to-air or air-to-ground combat missions over longer distances while carrying heavier loads.

Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo is a Europe correspondent for Defense News, specializing in military procurement and international security with a focus on the aviation sector. She is based in Milan, Italy.