Sweden and Ukraine finalized a deal for the acquisition of 20 modern Saab Gripen E jets and the donation of 16 legacy Gripen C/D aircraft.The agreement utilizes 2.5 billion euros in EU funding to bolster air defenses against persistent Russian aerial threats.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced the strategic move during a joint appearance in Uppsala.Newer models are expected to enter service by 2030 while the donated units will begin arriving early in 2027.