Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Sweden on October 22, 2025, to sign a significant defense cooperation agreement with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, potentially enabling Ukraine to acquire up to 150 Saab Gripen E fighter jets over the next 10 to 15 years. The visit followed Zelenskyy’s prior stop in Norway, where additional energy support for Ukraine was pledged ahead of winter. The letter of intent signed in Linköping, home to Saab’s manufacturing facilities, marks a major milestone in Sweden’s long-standing military support to Ukraine, which has already included a range of advanced weaponry. The Gripen E, regarded as one of the world’s most advanced 4.5-generation fighter jets, is seen by Kiev as crucial to strengthening its air capabilities against Russian aggression. Ukrainian pilots are already training on these jets, with hopes to begin operational use in the near future. While deliveries are expected to begin within three years, Sweden emphasized this as the start of a long-term strategic partnership, underscoring its commitment to a strong and capable Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. This development is notable amidst evolving Western military aid dynamics towards Ukraine.