Saab plans Gripen fighter jet assembly line in Ukraine

Swedish aerospace and defence group Saab plans to establish a facility in Ukraine for the final assembly and testing of Gripen fighter jets, as part of a potential long-term contract to supply 100-150 aircraft to Kyiv. The company’s CEO Mikael Johansson revealed the plan in an interview with The Financial Times, noting that the project would roughly double Saab’s production capacity.

“It’s not that easy during a war, but it would be great to organise facilities for final assembly, testing, and perhaps partial production of some parts in Ukraine,” Johansson said. He added that Saab is also expanding its production footprint in Brazil, and is considering further sites in Canada and other European countries.

The plan follows the agreement of intent signed between Ukraine and Sweden on 22 October, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Stockholm. The document outlines the framework for future purchases of JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, a new-generation multirole combat aircraft known for its cost-efficiency and versatility.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasised that the agreement is not about immediate deliveries but about long-term cooperation aimed at building “a very serious Ukrainian Air Force”. According to Kristersson, “This agreement is not aimed at any specific supplies at this moment. It is about 120-150 Gripen E-series fighters, which we are now starting to produce. This will allow us to build a very serious Ukrainian Air Force… It’s the beginning of a long journey of 10-15 years.”

The announcement came as Sweden reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s defence. Defence Minister Pål Jonson said earlier in October that Stockholm is prepared to expand its role within NATO’s PURL programme and the broader aviation coalition supporting Ukraine. Initially, Sweden intends to deliver radar reconnaissance and early-warning aircraft, later shifting focus to the transfer of Gripen fighters.

Jonson acknowledged that operating three types of Western fighter jets – F-16s, Mirages, and Gripens – would be a challenge for Ukrainian forces, but noted that Western aircraft have already “significantly strengthened Ukrainian air defence”.

Financing and frozen Russian assets

Sweden is also exploring how to finance the Gripen deal, including the possible use of frozen Russian assets. Prime Minister Kristersson said during the European Council summit in Brussels on 23 October that Europe “cannot risk that, despite this war, frozen Russian assets are returned to Russia”.

According to the Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Kristersson confirmed that discussions on the issue continue among EU leaders, with some “reservations” remaining from Belgium. “We will see during the day whether we can reach an agreement on this issue,” he added.

Sweden’s stance aligns with the EU’s broader efforts to use profits from frozen Russian funds to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.

President Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has already been training pilots and technical crews to operate the Gripen, expecting the aircraft’s deployment to begin in 2026. “Next year will be the beginning of the use of Gripen,” he said, adding that Kyiv and Stockholm are also coordinating energy and recovery assistance.

When asked why Ukraine prioritised the Swedish fighter, Zelenskyy replied that the choice was based on detailed comparisons with other platforms. “I don’t want to reveal all the steps,” he said. “But Gripen is a priority. It’s a question of funds, manoeuvre, how to use it. Gripen is one of the best in the world.”

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Caption: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) attend a press conference following their meeting and visit to Saab in Linkoping, Sweden, 22 October 2025. Zelensky’s visit to Linkoping, home to Swedish defense contractor Saab, focuses on defense cooperation and a possible defense export deal. EPA/FREDRIK SANDBERG SWEDEN OUT