Trending Now - Ukraine Showcases Drone Skills as Sweden Sends Gripens

WHO:

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he is visiting Stockholm for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense cooperation.

The Kyiv Independent - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Ukraine has clearly identified Gripen as the priority choice for its air force in the long term.

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he is visiting Stockholm for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense cooperation.

The Kyiv Independent - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the transfer of 16 used Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine.

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian specialists have entered into joint drone production agreements with countries in the European Union.

The Kyiv Independent - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the Gripen transfer as "truly a historic event, a historic day for our cooperation and for our countries."

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote to U.S. President Trump and Congress asking for more American-made air defense ammunition.

The War Zone - Swedish Minister for Defense Pål Jonson stated that the Gripen E/F would be financed with a $2.9 billion European Union loan.

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian specialists have helped countries in the Gulf Arab region strengthen their air defenses amid the Iran war.

The Kyiv Independent - Ukrainian pilot Vadym Voroshylov, call sign Karaya, described the Gripen aircraft as an "ideal option" for Ukraine.

ABC News - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson are involved in defense cooperation talks.

The Kyiv Independent - Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the transfer of Gripen jets to Ukraine.

WHAT:

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2027 after Ukraine finalizes the purchase agreement.

The War Zone - Ukraine expects to receive highly capable Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles along with the Gripen fighters.

Defense News - Ukraine plans to purchase 20 new Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries expected by 2030.

The War Zone - The Gripen E variant features upgraded radar and electronic warfare systems, a General Electric F414G engine, and advanced avionics including an AESA radar and panoramic cockpit display.

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden will support Kyiv in procuring up to 20 newer Gripen E aircraft.

The War Zone - Ukraine expects to receive highly capable Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles along with the Gripen fighters.

Defense News - Ukraine plans to purchase 20 new Gripen fighter jets, with deliveries expected by 2030.

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden's military aid package to Ukraine includes missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers (124 miles).

Defense News - Ukraine plans to purchase all 150 Gripen aircraft stipulated in the original letter of intent.

The War Zone - The Gripen C/D can be delivered with weapons such as IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and the long-range Meteor missile.

ABC News - Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine needs more U.S. Patriot PAC-3 missiles and other air defense systems, warning that deliveries are falling short due to the Iran war diverting U.S. stocks.

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden's military aid package to Ukraine includes long-range strike capabilities, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, and support for defense innovation.

The War Zone - Ukraine expects to receive highly capable Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles along with the Gripen fighters.

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden's military aid package to Ukraine includes missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers (124 miles).

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine free of charge.

The Kyiv Independent - Ukraine will purchase 22 new Gripen E fighter jets, with deliveries expected by 2030.

The Kyiv Independent - Zelenskyy expects to receive the "first capabilities" within the next 10 months.

ABC News - Ukraine is preparing “a major defense package” and working on a deal to provide Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent - Sweden plans to transfer 16 used Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine and support the procurement of up to 20 newer Gripen E aircraft.

The Kyiv Independent - Ukraine plans to finance the future purchase of Gripen E/F aircraft using 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 billion) from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan mechanism.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the newer Gripen E aircraft could begin by 2030.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027 after Ukraine finalizes the purchase agreement.

WHERE:

ABC News - The talks between Zelenskyy and Kristersson took place in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Kyiv Independent - The announcement regarding the Gripen jets was made in Uppsala, Sweden.

WHEN:

The Kyiv Independent - Zelenskyy expects to receive the "first capabilities" within the next 10 months.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027 after Ukraine finalizes the purchase agreement.

The War Zone - Training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D is already underway and will be expanded this fall.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027.

The Kyiv Independent - Zelenskyy expects to receive the first Gripens within the next 10 months.

The War Zone - Deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027.

Defense News - Deliveries of the new Gripen E model are expected to reach Ukraine from 2030.

The War Zone - Training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D is already underway and will be expanded this fall.

The Kyiv Independent - The announcement about the Gripen jets was made on May 28.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the Gripen E aircraft could begin by 2030.

The Kyiv Independent - Deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027.

WHY:

Defense News - Kristersson emphasized that Gripens are the best long-term option for protecting Ukrainian skies, stating, "Air defense is what Ukraine needs most now. We feel it almost every day."

The War Zone - Zelensky stated that the Meteor missile "would stop Russian glide bomb attacks," which have been a significant issue for Ukrainian air defenses.

Defense News - Kristersson emphasized that Gripens are the best long-term option for protecting Ukrainian skies, stating, "Air defense is what Ukraine needs most now. We feel it almost every day."

Defense News - Kristersson described the Gripen as the next step in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, emphasizing that air defense is what Ukraine needs most now.

The War Zone - Zelensky stated that the Meteor missile "would stop Russian glide bomb attacks," which have been a significant issue for Ukrainian air defenses.

The Kyiv Independent - Zelenskyy emphasized that air defense is what Ukraine needs most now, stating, "We feel it almost every day."

ABC News - Zelenskyy has sought to deepen defense cooperation with other countries by offering Ukraine's drone expertise developed during the conflict with Russia.

The Kyiv Independent - Ukraine has identified Gripen as the priority choice for its air force in the long term.

HOW:

The War Zone - The Gripen is designed for operations against the Soviet and later Russian Federation by Sweden’s air forces, capable of operating from short runways and being serviced by a small ground crew.

The War Zone - The Gripen C/D can be delivered with weapons such as IRIS-T, AMRAAM, and the long-range Meteor missile.

The Kyiv Independent - The Gripen can operate from shorter runways and even stretches of highway, making it less vulnerable to Russian missile attacks on airfields.

ABC News - Ukrainian specialists have helped countries in the Middle East strengthen their air defenses amid the Iran war.

The Kyiv Independent - Ukrainian pilots have begun training related to the Gripen aircraft and are working to expand pilot training infrastructure.

(UPDATED May 29, 2026 13:58 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is visiting Stockholm for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense cooperation, where Kristersson announced that Ukraine has identified the Gripen fighter jet as its top choice for the air force. Sweden will transfer 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine at no cost, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2027, and Ukraine also plans to purchase 20 new Gripen E jets by 2030, which feature advanced capabilities. Kristersson highlighted that Gripens are essential for Ukraine's air defense needs, stating, "Air defense is what Ukraine needs most now. We feel it almost every day."

(UPDATED May 29, 2026 12:00 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is visiting Stockholm for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on defense cooperation, where Kristersson announced the transfer of 16 used Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine. Sweden will also support Ukraine in procuring up to 20 newer Gripen E aircraft, with deliveries of the Gripen C/D expected to begin in early 2027 after the purchase agreement is finalized. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D is already underway and will expand this fall, as Zelenskyy emphasized that the highly capable Meteor missiles accompanying the Gripen fighters would help counter Russian glide bomb attacks.

(UPDATED May 29, 2026 10:16 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian specialists have entered into joint drone production agreements with EU countries, marking a significant step in military collaboration. Sweden is providing military aid to Ukraine, which includes missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers and the transfer of Gripen aircraft, with deliveries expected to start in early 2027. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the Gripen as a crucial long-term solution for Ukraine's air defense, emphasizing the ongoing training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D, which is already underway and set to expand this fall.

(UPDATED May 29, 2026 06:19 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has emphasized the urgent need for more U.S. Patriot PAC-3 missiles and other air defense systems, citing that current deliveries are falling short due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Meanwhile, Sweden is stepping up its military support for Ukraine with a comprehensive aid package that includes long-range strike capabilities and advanced electronic warfare systems, while the Gripen E fighter jets are expected to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities significantly. Zelenskyy anticipates receiving the first Gripens within the next 10 months, with deliveries of the Gripen C/D aircraft set to begin in early 2027 and the new Gripen E model expected to arrive by 2030.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 23:22 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has reached out to President Trump and Congress, requesting additional American-made air defense ammunition to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities. Meanwhile, Sweden's Minister for Defense, Pål Jonson, announced that the Gripen E/F fighter jets will be financed through a $2.9 billion loan from the European Union, and Ukraine is set to receive advanced Meteor missiles along with these aircraft. Training for Ukrainian pilots and technicians on the Gripen C/D is already in progress and will expand this fall, as Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the Meteor missile in countering Russian glide bomb attacks.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 18:01 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that his country will receive 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets from Sweden at no cost, while also planning to purchase 22 new Gripen E jets, with deliveries expected by 2030. Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of air defense for Ukraine, stating, "We feel it almost every day," and noted that the Gripen aircraft's ability to operate from shorter runways makes them less vulnerable to Russian missile attacks. Additionally, Ukrainian pilot Vadym Voroshylov described the Gripen as an "ideal option" for the nation's defense needs.

(UPDATED May 28, 2026 14:18 UTC)

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson are currently engaged in defense cooperation talks in Stockholm, where Kristersson announced plans to transfer 16 used Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter jets to Ukraine. As part of a major defense package, Ukraine is set to finance the future purchase of newer Gripen E/F aircraft with 2.5 billion euros from the European Union's Ukraine Support Loan mechanism, with deliveries of the Gripen C/D jets expected to begin in early 2027 and the Gripen E aircraft by 2030. This collaboration aims to enhance Ukraine's air force capabilities, as the country has identified the Gripen as a priority choice and has been training pilots to operate these advanced aircraft.