Europe invests in Ukraine's long-term military capacity: 32 fighter jets from Sweden

As Europe's support for Ukraine shifts from urgent aid to long-term military capacity building, 32 Gripen fighter jets, 16 of them as a grant, will be supplied under an agreement with Sweden. The EU also approved a 90-billion-euro credit package for 2026-2027.

Scraper SystemJuly 02, 2026, 10:26 AM

Europe invests in Ukraine's long-term military capacity: 32 fighter jets from Sweden

The nature of Europe's military support for Ukraine is changing. As the belief grows in Northern European countries that Kyiv's security is an integral part of their own security, support packages are moving beyond arms and ammunition shipments to focus on long-term military capacity building.

The most concrete step in this strategic transformation is the historic agreement signed between Sweden and Ukraine. Under the agreement, Ukraine will purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets, financed by European loans and a contribution from the United Kingdom.

In addition, the Kyiv administration is preparing to receive an additional 16 Gripen C/D fighter jets as a grant from the Swedish government. Training for Ukrainian pilots on these aircraft has also begun. This step is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.

Emphasis on security investment

Swedish Defense Minister Paul Jonson described the support provided to Ukraine as an investment in their own security. Jonson characterized the day the agreement was signed as a historic day in the course of relations between Sweden and Ukraine.

Other European countries are also continuing to increase their military support packages. Many countries, led by Denmark, are announcing new aid packages aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin also pledged that political, financial and military support for Kyiv would continue. Martin emphasized Ireland's determination to stand by Ukraine during its European Union presidency term.

90-billion-euro credit package

On the financial support front, European Union leaders made a significant decision in December 2025. An agreement was reached to provide Ukraine with a loan of 90 billion euros, equivalent to approximately 97 billion dollars, covering the period 2026 and 2027.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the decision sent a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the war would not yield results. Merz also noted that Ukraine would only repay the loan if Russia paid war reparations.

Reaction from Moscow

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned against the consequences of the West's interventionist stance. Zakharova stated that Russia takes into account the West's involvement in terrorist attacks against it.

All these developments occurred concurrently with the Northern Europe and Baltic countries' summit held on June 10, 2026 in Estonia's capital Tallinn. At the summit, leaders discussed strengthening collective defense and addressing the dangers posed by the expanding Russia-Ukraine war.

Europe invests in Ukraine's long-term military capacity: 32 fighter jets from Sweden