Sweden has prepared its largest military aid package for Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, according to a statement published on the official website of the Swedish Government.

The aid package includes the provision of Gripen C/D fighter jets, long-range capabilities, ammunition, electronic warfare systems, and support for innovation.

“Ukraine’s top priority is air defense. In order to strengthen Ukrainian air defense, Sweden and Ukraine are entering into a large-scale defense agreement, under which Ukraine will purchase Swedish Gripen fighter jets,” the statement reads.

In the initial phase, the Swedish government is enabling the purchase of up to 20 Gripen E/F aircraft, for which Ukraine plans to allocate €2.5 billion from the EU loan under the Ukraine Support Loan.

Once Ukraine initiates the planned purchase, Sweden also intends to transfer 16 Gripen C/D aircraft as bilateral assistance.

It is worth noting that the Gripen Charlie Delta (Gripen C/D) aircraft form the backbone of the Swedish Air Force and have been utilized by the air forces of various nations for nearly 20 years. These aircraft are continuously upgraded, with the modernization program projected to run until 2035, and for certain air forces, up to 2040.

The new generation of aircraft, the Gripen E/F, represents 20 years of technological evolution. The aircraft is equipped with everything required for modern combat: long-range radars, advanced weaponry, exceptional survivability, and powerful electronic warfare systems.