Already in 2027 Sweden will begin transferring 16 JAS 39C/D fighters from its own fleet to Ukraine. Therefore discussion has already begun about need to purchase replacement for them in form of brand new Gripen E.
Breaking Defense reports this citing statement from Swedish Air Force Commander Major General Jonas Wikman. This involves purchasing 12 additional aircraft to be added to state procurement later. Thanks to such investment, total Gripen E order volume for Swedish aviation will comprise 72 fighters. It is also noted Sweden will continue providing military assistance to Ukraine.
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Defense Express notes this is first contract expansion for these aircraft for Swedish Air Force. Original 60-aircraft procurement agreement was signed back in 2013, approximately 13 years ago.
Additional order itself is quite logical given need to maintain aviation fleet numbers. New fighters can be operated longer than old ones going to Ukraine, which in perspective will strengthen Swedish defense capability.
Overall Swedes want to have in their air forces combined fleet of approximately 120 Gripens in C/D/E variants. However interesting question arises whether future Swedish contract will not create problems for Ukraine's further Gripen E procurement.
Naturally larger order increases production capacity loading, but without agreements and approximate implementation dates assessing potential impact on Ukrainian aircraft is impossible. Additional order will also give Saab more initiative to scale own annual output capabilities.
Worth not forgetting Sweden already has 60-aircraft contract being implemented, so new procurement will only supplement it further, with Ukraine Gripen E delivery already planned for 2029-2030. There is also Rafale, whose transfer within military assistance France already announced for 2028, although there are own questions here too.
Saab fighters already localized in Brazil, where they want to take 20 more aircraft in addition to 36 already purchased and offer production for other countries. Also proposed is deploying manufacturing in Canada, which considers ordering 72 aircraft.
Currently annual output reached 12 Gripen E and plans to reach 20 units annually in 2-3 years. Overall want to achieve 36 unit annual production, but currently this is very optimistic scenario.
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