Sweden and Ukraine Strengthen Air Force Cooperation
Sweden and Ukraine have taken a major step in their military-cooperation efforts, as Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in air capabilities.
Under the agreement, Stockholm pledges to support the development of Ukraine’s future air force through the exchange of knowledge and experience in air combat and defence. Sweden brings to the table its experience with advanced systems — including the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft — while Ukraine offers its own battle-hardened combat air experience.
Prime Minister Kristersson said: “I am proud to have welcomed President Zelenskyy to Sweden and Linköping. Today we have signed an important Letter of Intent, marking a step towards a massive possible export deal regarding Gripen – likely between 100 and 150 fighter jets, to build a new and very strong Ukrainian Air Force. President Zelenskyy also got the chance to see first-hand the impressive capabilities of the Gripen fighter. This will strengthen both Ukraine, Sweden and Europe.”
The deal signals that Sweden is looking not only at knowledge-sharing but also at a potential large-scale export of Gripen fighters to Ukraine, a shift that would have significant implications for Ukraine’s defence posture and for Sweden’s aviation exports.
This cooperation also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics: Sweden’s willingness to deepen military ties with Ukraine underscores its commitment to enhancing European security and supporting Kyiv in its ongoing defence efforts.
Why it matters
The exchange of air force expertise helps Ukraine rebuild and modernise its air capabilities after years of conflict.
Sweden expands its role as a defence-exporter and partner in European security architecture.
A deal of 100–150 Gripen jets (if realised) would be one of the largest fighter-jet export contracts of its kind for Sweden.
Historical context: Sweden’s support to Ukraine
Sweden’s support to Ukraine is not new; the relationship has evolved significantly especially since 2022.
Sweden has been supporting Ukraine since the 1990s, and by the end of 2021, Sweden’s total support amounted to just over SEK 4 billion (about € or $ equivalent).
Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden’s support has increased dramatically: Sweden’s military support alone is estimated around SEK 90 billion (approx. €8.2 billion) and humanitarian/civilian support around SEK 12.8 billion (approx. €1.2 billion) as of September 2025.
Sweden has established multi-year frameworks for military support: for example a three-year framework from 2024–2026 totalling SEK 75 billion, and further planning for 2026–2027.
Large individual support packages have been announced: in March 2025 Sweden announced its largest military aid package yet — roughly SEK 16 billion (≈$1.6 billion) — which increased Sweden’s total support to Ukraine to approximately SEK 29.5 billion in 2025 so far.
These figures show a clear shift: Sweden moving from modest bilateral support pre-2022 to major military and civil-aid supplier in the post-invasion period.
What happens next
The Letter of Intent lays the groundwork; the actual contract negotiation, procurement of aircraft, and integration of systems will be complex and time-consuming. Among the tasks ahead: ensuring training pipelines, logistics, interoperability, and maintenance frameworks — especially critical if Ukraine is to operate Western-style aircraft at scale.
In short: Sweden and Ukraine have opened a new chapter of air-force cooperation, mixing Swedish advanced aviation technology with Ukrainian combat experience. The path ahead is long, but the ambition appears high.
Nathalie Beser, senior freelance journalist