Sweden has offered to supply Ukraine with up to 150 of its advanced Saab Gripen-E fighter jets, marking the first major jet deal from a NATO member to Kyiv.

The agreement, signed as a letter of understanding by President Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, leaves details such as costs, delivery schedules, and exact numbers (100–150 jets) to be determined.

The Gripen-E is considered ideal for Ukraine, being relatively low-cost, easy to maintain, and capable of operating from austere airfields, while featuring modern radar, sensors, AI-enabled systems, and networked missile capabilities.

The jets could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air combat capacity, which has lagged behind Russia despite previous deliveries of F-16s and French Mirages, CNN has reported.

Ukrainian pilots’ prior training on older Gripen models could allow interim use of those jets while waiting for the new Gripen-Es, expected in about three years.