Britain allocated 300 million euros for the supply of 16 Gripen E fighters to Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the allocation of 300 million euros to support the supply of 16 Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine. He stated this during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on July 16, reports UNN. 

The funds will be directed not only to the aircraft but also to pilot training, maintenance, and necessary infrastructure.

Details 

According to Starmer, the United Kingdom will provide the funding jointly with Sweden. The assistance is expected to help form a full-fledged Gripen E squadron in Ukraine by 2029.

I am pleased to inform you that today we are going even further, as I can announce that the United Kingdom, together with Sweden, will provide support in the amount of 300 million euros for the supply of 16 new modern aircraft that will help protect Ukraine's airspace 

He also noted that the support package includes training for Ukrainian pilots and engineers, the supply of flight simulators, spare parts, ground equipment, as well as logistical and technical support.

At the same time, 300 million euros do not cover the full cost of 16 aircraft. It concerns the UK's contribution to the implementation of a broader Ukrainian-Swedish fighter jet procurement program.

The contract for the supply of 16 Gripen E to Ukraine was signed on June 30, 2026. Its total value is approximately 24.6 billion Swedish kronor. Production and delivery of the aircraft are planned for 2029–2030, while the Ukrainian side expects to receive the first aircraft in early 2029.

The procurement financing is to be carried out through credit support from the European Union, assistance from the United Kingdom, and Ukrainian-Swedish agreements.

Separately, Sweden plans to transfer up to 16 fighter jets of the previous modification, Gripen C/D, to Ukraine as military aid. The first such aircraft are expected in early 2027. 

In total, Ukrainian-Swedish agreements may cover up to 32 Gripen fighter jets of various modifications. 

What you need to know about Gripen E 

This is a modern multirole fighter capable of conducting air combat, striking ground targets, and performing reconnaissance missions. The aircraft is equipped with a modern radar system and electronic warfare capabilities, and can also use long-range air-to-air missiles.

One of the advantages of the Gripen for Ukraine is the ability to operate from short runways and prepared sections of highways. The fighter is also designed for dispersed basing and requires a relatively small ground crew.

Context

Earlier, Ukraine and the European Union signed two agreements that provide for deepening cooperation in the defense industry.

One of them concerns Ukraine's accession to the European Defense Fund, the other – financing within the framework of the European Defense Industrial Program EDIP.

Thanks to these agreements, Ukrainian defense companies are to receive 300 million euros from the EU for the development of new types of weapons and the expansion of production capacities.

This funding is separate from the 300 million euros announced by the United Kingdom to support the supply of Gripen E fighter jets.

Reminder 

As UNN reported, Ukraine and European partners have founded the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, which is launching the creation of a joint anti-ballistic system FREYJA. Well-known European defense companies are joining the project launch.