The conclusion of an intergovernmental agreement between Ukraine and Sweden on the sale of one batch of Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F multifunctional fighters can be safely considered the best of everything that could be expected.
For 20 newest Gripen E/F, Sweden wants just 2.5 billion euros. That is, we are talking about a minimal price of 125 million euros for one fighter. This price is significantly lower than the price agreed by Colombia in November 2025: 3.135 billion euros for 17 fighters in a comprehensive purchase, at a notional price of 184.4 million euros per aircraft.
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This price is closer to the cost of Gripen E/F for Thailand, which ordered an additional four fighters for about 480 million euros (120 million euros per aircraft) in August 2025. However, in this case, it should be taken into account that the Royal Thai Air Force already had all the necessary infrastructure for these aircraft, and this contract was Saab's first since 2013.
It should be noted that the real cost for Ukraine of arming itself with Gripen fighters is much lower, because as soon as a firm contract is signed, the transfer of 16 used Gripen C/Ds will be unlocked.
That is, for 2.5 billion euros, Ukraine will receive 36 Gripen aircraft of various modifications. Of this number, 16 aircraft are used Gripen C/Ds along with weapons, which can strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force as early as 2027. Ukraine will also receive 20 of the latest Gripen E/F aircraft from 2030.
At the same time, even before receiving the latest aircraft, Ukraine will have ground infrastructure, trained pilots and technicians who will only need to undergo additional training on the Gripen E/F. Also, most likely, it will be necessary to update the equipment for servicing aircraft of the latest modifications.
All this clearly demonstrates what enormous support Sweden actually provides to Ukraine. Moreover, the costs of 2.5 billion euros are planned to be covered by the European Union loan within the framework of the Ukraine Support Loan for 90 billion euros. That is, this is the result of support from all of Europe.
Read more: Ukraine Gets 16 Gripens With Meteors in 2027, Only if It Signs a €2.5B Deal for 20 Advanced E/F Models
