Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a €300 million UK investment to help deliver 16 Swedish Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine by 2029. The government said the package will also support around 5,000 skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies.
The announcement was made on 16 July 2026 as the Prime Minister visited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine. The aircraft are intended to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its airspace against Russian attacks and support the modernisation of its air force.
The funding package covers more than the construction and supply of aircraft. It includes training for pilots and engineers, simulators, spare parts and equipment required to prepare the squadron for frontline operations.
UK Funds Gripen Fighter Jets for Ukraine
The investment will contribute to the delivery of a full squadron of Gripen E aircraft. The government said the 16 jets are expected to be available to Ukraine by 2029.
The programme combines aircraft procurement with the personnel, maintenance and equipment support needed to establish an operational capability. The aircraft will form part of Ukraine’s longer-term development of a modern air force.
- Aircraft: A squadron of 16 Gripen E fighter jets is planned.
- Delivery: The programme is intended to supply the aircraft by 2029.
- Funding: The UK contribution totals €300 million.
Gripen Investment Overview
| Indicator | Commitment | Context |
|---|---|---|
| UK investment | €300 million | Supports the Gripen package |
| Aircraft | 16 Gripen E jets | Planned as one squadron |
| Target | By 2029 | Government delivery timetable |
| UK employment | 5,000 jobs | Across the defence supply chain |
Training and Equipment Included in Package
The funding will support the preparation of Ukrainian personnel alongside the delivery of the aircraft. Pilots and engineers will receive training intended to help Ukraine operate and maintain the Gripen fleet.
The package also includes simulators, spare parts and additional equipment needed to bring the aircraft into service. These elements are intended to support the transition from delivery to frontline use.
- Personnel: Ukrainian pilots and engineers will receive training.
- Preparation: Simulators will support operational instruction.
- Maintenance: Spare parts will be supplied with the aircraft.
- Deployment: Additional equipment will support frontline readiness.
Gripen Aircraft and Ukraine’s Air Defence
Gripen E aircraft are designed for air defence, ground attack and reconnaissance missions. The government said these capabilities will support Ukraine’s efforts to defend its territory and develop a modern air force.
The aircraft have relatively low maintenance requirements and can be operated by small ground crews. These operating characteristics were identified as suitable for Ukraine’s military requirements and frontline conditions.
Investment Supports British Defence Jobs
Construction of the aircraft will support an estimated 5,000 highly skilled jobs across more than 50 UK-based companies supplying the global Gripen programme. The work will involve businesses operating in different parts of the British defence and aerospace sector.
The government identified Saab UK in Fareham and Leonardo UK in Edinburgh among the companies connected to the programme. Their participation reflects the British industrial contribution to the manufacture and support of Gripen aircraft.
Gripen Cooperation with NATO Forces
Gripen aircraft are designed to operate alongside NATO forces and have previously worked with British military aircraft. This interoperability allows the jets to participate in coordinated operations with allied air forces.
Swedish Gripens deployed alongside the Royal Air Force in Poland during NATO’s air policing mission in summer 2025. The deployment provided an example of the aircraft operating within a multinational air defence arrangement.
Wider UK Military Support for Ukraine
The announcement forms part of the UK’s wider military assistance to Ukraine. The government has committed to delivering 150,000 drones and thousands of air defence missiles during 2026.
The UK is providing £3 billion in military support to Ukraine this year. It also co-leads the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, which coordinates international efforts to provide Ukrainian forces with military capabilities.
Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Comments
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said;
“That is why the UK’s support will never waver. Today’s investment will help put advanced Gripen fighter jets in Ukrainian skies, strengthening their ability to defend their country while supporting thousands of skilled jobs here at home.”
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MBE MP said;
“These fighter jets will help give Ukraine the air power needed to deter Putin, and this investment supports thousands of good jobs across our nation.”
The €300 million package combines aircraft funding, personnel training, simulators, spare parts and operational equipment for Ukraine. Delivery of the 16 Gripen E jets is planned by 2029, while work connected to the programme is expected to support 5,000 British jobs. The investment sits alongside existing UK commitments covering drones, air defence missiles and wider military assistance coordinated with international partners.
Sources: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
