Ukraine F-16: On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Ukraine and Sweden announced a new air power deal. Ukraine will get 16 older Swedish Gripen jets as a donation, and it will also buy 20 more through an EU support loan scheme. The money will help Ukraine add more strength to its air force while the war with Russia continues. The new aircraft are meant to give Kyiv a tough and flexible fighter jet for defence.
At a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the deal matters a lot for his country. He said, “We need these jets, and for us, this is really a new page for Ukraine,”. Kristersson also backed the plan and said, “Gripen is the best and optimal choice for Ukraine. So…, we take the next major step on this joint journey,”.
What Sweden Is Sending
Sweden said the older Gripen C/D jets will be sent to Kyiv next year as a temporary fix. The newer Gripen E/F models are expected to start reaching Ukraine from 2030. Reuters said Ukraine plans to use 2.5 billion euros from the EU Ukraine Support Loan to help pay for the new jets. Sweden also said the wider plan could one day grow to as many as 150 Gripen E aircraft.
The UK government also said that key parts of the Gripen are made in Britain. It said companies in the UK supply important parts such as the radar and landing gear. That means the aircraft is not only a Swedish project. It is also built with help from British industry.
Gripen Against the F-16
Ukraine already uses the F-16 Fighting Falcon, but the Gripen is seen as different in a few useful ways. Saab says the Gripen E can work from rough or scattered bases and can be turned around in about 15 minutes with a small ground team. Saab also says the plane is designed for low upkeep and faster return to service. Earlier Gripen models are known for short turnaround times and the ability to use road-like strips in emergencies.
Amit Shah Pushes Smart Border Plan With Advanced Anti-Drone Systems
The F-16 is still a very strong jet. The U.S. Air Force says the AIM-120 AMRAAM is an all-weather beyond-visual-range missile used on the F-16, and the aircraft can also carry short-range AIM-9 missiles. The F-16 is also tied into NATO’s Link 16 network, which helps it share data with other allied aircraft and systems.
