Ukraine Expects to Localize Production of Gripen Fighter Jets From 2033

Ukraine and Sweden have reached an agreement to localize the production of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in Ukraine.

It is expected that the production of fighter jets will be significantly localized starting in 2033.

This was announced by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a briefing on November 7, a Suspilne correspondent reports.

According to Shmyhal, on November 6, the Ukrainian side worked out in detail the agreements with the Swedish Ministry of Defense, in particular, on the supply of 150 Gripen fighters.

“Yesterday, November 6, a memorandum was signed between a Ukrainian company and Saab on the future localization of Gripen production in Ukraine,” the minister said.

He emphasized that starting in 2033, the production of fighter jets is expected to be deployed at Ukrainian enterprises. The project will cover a wide range of work – from large-scale assembly to the manufacture of individual parts.

In his comments, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the issue of the timing of the delivery of the aircraft remains confidential until all approvals and financial procedures are completed.

The Head of State confirmed that the development of aviation capabilities is one of the key priorities for the Ukrainian army.

According to Zelensky, the main sources of funding include the use of frozen Russian assets, as well as bilateral agreements with international partners.

At the same time, Saab is considering Canada as another possible site for the assembly of Gripen fighter jets, due to the growing demand for these aircraft from Ukraine.

On October 22, 2025, Ukraine and Sweden signed a letter of intent to purchase 100 to 150 new JAS 39 Gripen E fighters.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson then emphasized that the agreement does not provide for immediate deliveries of aircraft and is designed for long-term cooperation between the countries.