UK Commits €300 Million to Help Deliver Swedish Gripen Fighter Jets to Ukraine.
Kyiv:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a €300 million (£approximately 260 million) investment to support the delivery of advanced Swedish Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant boost to Kyiv’s air defence capabilities while supporting thousands of jobs across the United Kingdom’s defence industry.
The announcement was made during Starmer’s visit to Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russia.
Funding to Deliver 16 Gripen Fighter Jets
The new funding package will help Ukraine field a full squadron of 16 Saab Gripen E fighter jets by 2029. The package includes not only the aircraft but also comprehensive pilot and engineer training, flight simulators, spare parts, and other essential equipment needed to deploy the jets into operational service.
The Gripen E is a multirole combat aircraft capable of conducting air-to-air missions, precision strikes on ground targets, and reconnaissance operations. Officials say the aircraft will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace against continued Russian missile and drone attacks while contributing to the modernization of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Boost for UK Defence Industry
The investment is also expected to provide a major boost to Britain’s defence sector, supporting approximately 5,000 highly skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies involved in the global Gripen programme.
British companies including Saab UK in Fareham and Leonardo UK in Edinburgh are among the firms contributing to the programme. The government said the project highlights the role of the UK’s defence industry in supporting Ukraine while strengthening Britain’s own industrial base.
Starmer Reaffirms Support for Ukraine
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had witnessed the impact of Russia’s invasion during multiple visits to Ukraine over the past two years.
He described seeing widespread destruction, communities living under the constant threat of drone attacks, and hearing personal stories from people whose lives have been devastated by the conflict.
Starmer said the UK’s support for Ukraine “will never waver,” adding that the investment would help place advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies while supporting skilled British workers.
He said the programme demonstrates cooperation between British engineers and Ukrainian pilots, strengthens Ukraine’s long-term security, reinforces Britain’s defence industry, and sends a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the UK remains committed to Ukraine.
Defence Secretary Highlights Strategic Value
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised Britain’s continued military support for Ukraine and the contribution made by UK defence companies.
He said the Gripen fighter jets would provide Ukraine with the air power needed to deter further Russian aggression while simultaneously sustaining thousands of skilled jobs throughout the United Kingdom.
Part of Wider UK Military Support
The fighter jet investment forms part of Britain’s broader military assistance programme for Ukraine.
Earlier this year, the UK pledged to deliver 150,000 drones, thousands of air defence missiles, and a wide range of additional military equipment to Ukrainian forces.
The British government has also committed £3 billion in military support to Ukraine this year, while continuing to co-lead the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, an international coalition coordinating military assistance for Kyiv.
Gripen Aircraft Suited to Ukraine’s Needs
Defence officials say the Gripen E is particularly well suited to Ukraine’s operational requirements because it requires relatively low maintenance and can be operated by small ground crews from dispersed locations.
The aircraft is fully interoperable with NATO forces and has previously operated alongside the Royal Air Force. In 2025, Swedish Gripen fighters were deployed with RAF aircraft in Poland as part of NATO’s air policing mission.
The latest commitment underscores the UK’s continued support for Ukraine’s defence modernization as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
