Saab Considering Establishing Gripen Fighter Jet Production Facility in Ukraine

Swedish company Saab is considering opening a plant in Ukraine for the final assembly and testing of Gripen fighters.

The Financial Times reported this, citing the company’s CEO, Micael Johansson.

The head of Saab said that despite the difficult conditions of wartime, the company seeks to initiate cooperation that would enable partial localization of the production of modern combat aircraft on Ukrainian territory.

The Swedish company had considered similar plans back in 2009. At that time, the Ukrainian government was already in talks about establishing licensed assembly production of the Gripen aircraft in Ukraine. However, the rise to power of a pro-Russian president and Russia’s aggression in 2014 ‘buried’ those plans.

“During wartime, it’s not easy, but it would be wonderful to set up at least final assembly and testing of aircraft in Ukraine, and later, perhaps, partial production as well,” Johansson emphasized.

According to Johansson, signing an agreement with Ukraine could double Saab’s need for production capacity.

The company is currently actively investing in expanding its production in Brazil, where it plans to increase the annual output of Gripen aircraft to 20–30 units.

In addition, Saab is considering opening new production lines in Canada and several European countries that hold strategic importance for the defense industry.

According to Johansson, one possible mechanism for financing the Ukrainian project could be the use of frozen Russian assets.

“At the political level, discussions are ongoing — regarding which share of funding and risks Sweden will assume, which will be taken on by other countries, and what portion could be covered using confiscated Russian assets. There is no final decision yet,” the Saab head explained.

On October 22, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Sweden had agreed to sell Ukraine between 100 and 150 of the latest Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jets under a long-term contract.

Production of this modern version of the Gripen has only just begun, so deliveries are expected to take place gradually over the next few years.

Recently, the Brazilian Air Force showcased its tenth Gripen fighter, which it had awaited for eleven years – a sign of how lengthy the production process can be.

Ukraine itself expects to receive the first of the 150 Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters as early as 2026, likely in the C/D version adapted to the current needs of the Air Force.