Ukraine and Sweden have reached agreements to localize the production of Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets on Ukrainian territory. This was announced by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal during a briefing on November 7.
According to Shmyhal, on November 6, the Ukrainian side finalized details with Sweden’s Ministry of Defense regarding the supply and future manufacturing of 150 Gripen aircraft. On the same day, a memorandum was signed between a Ukrainian company and Saab outlining future localization.
Full-scale production is expected to begin in 2033. Ukrainian facilities will handle a wide range of work — from major assembly to the manufacturing of individual components.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that developing Ukraine’s air capabilities is a key priority for the Armed Forces. However, he said that delivery timelines will remain confidential until all financial and procedural arrangements are completed.
Zelensky added that one of the primary funding options under consideration is the use of frozen Russian assets, along with bilateral agreements with international partners.
Meanwhile, Saab is also considering Canada as another possible site for additional Gripen assembly lines — driven in part by increased demand for the aircraft, including from Ukraine.