Ukraine Expects First Gripen Jets in Early 2027, Zelensky Says

The first Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen multirole fighters could arrive in Ukraine in January or February 2027, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, Nov. 10.Speaking to journalists, Zelensky said Kyiv has been discussing ways to speed up deliveries with Stockholm.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.“They should arrive in January-February, possibly in February. We have raised the issue that we need them as quickly as possible. But, so to speak, the process is already underway,” Zelensky said.The transfer of the first Gripen C/D aircraft in early 2027, donated by Stockholm, would precede the later arrival of the more advanced Gripen E fighters that Kyiv purchased.In addition to the Su-27 and MiG-29 jets inherited from the USSR, Ukraine also operates US-made F-16s and French-made Mirages that help intercept Russian drones and missiles.Zelensky added that Kyiv hopes the Swedish aircraft will prove effective against Russian drones, including jet-powered drones that fly at speeds comparable to some cruise missiles.Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched over 3,000 jet-powered drones in September, compared to the 2,850 documented in August and 350 in June. The interception rate against these faster drones is about 60% as of September, compared with 90-95% for conventional propeller-driven drones.The drone attacks, at times accompanied by missiles, have repeatedly damaged civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine. Other Topics of Interest Second Day of Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks in Abu Dhabi Comes to an End The second day of trilateral negotiations has ended, but the sides have yet to announce whether the talks produced any progress. In the overnight attack on Oct. 26-27, Russia launched 280 strike drones, including 69 jet-powered drones, primarily targeting Kyiv. Impacts were recorded at 25 locations, while debris from intercepted targets fell at another 16 sites.During the interview, Zelensky also reiterated Ukraine’s need for additional US-made F-16 fighter jets and ammunition. He noted that a significant number of aircraft currently in service require regular maintenance and repairs. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 90% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.