Ukraine is working to build a fleet of 250 modern fighter aircraft, including F-16s, Swedish Gripens, and French Rafales.“We are holding parallel talks with Sweden, France, and the United States. The overall goal is a fleet of 250 new aircraft. This is our future,” Zelensky said during a briefing with journalists.
Swedish Saab JAS39 Gripen Series EThe Swedish Gripen is a priority for Ukraine. Zelensky said the jets are cheaper to maintain, pilots can be trained on them in about six months, and they can even take off from and land on roadways.
Zelensky also announced a preliminary agreement with Sweden for
150 Saab JAS39 Gripens, including local production.French Dassault RafaleUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that Kyiv has signed a letter of intent to
acquire up to 100 of the French fighter jets over the next 10 years.Zelensky confirmed that a
new batch of Mirage 2000-5F fighters is slated to arrive soon, along with additional air-to-air missiles.F-16s will be the backbone of Ukraine’s fighter fleet for nowOnce Belgium transfers its promised 30 F-16s to the UAF, pending the F-35s that are replacing them, Ukraine will have a fleet of around 86 F-16AM (single-seat) and F-16BM (two-seat) Block 20 Mid-Life Update airframes.
Ukraine has said it eventually needs a total of 128 F-16s to defend itself against Russia.The Rafale and Gripen, however, would be a step up in modern capabilities for Ukraine.
Considered 4.5-generation aircraft, they're equipped with advanced avionics, sensors, and electronic warfare systems but lack the powerful full-stealth capabilities of the 5th-generation F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor.https://www.kyivpost.com/analysis/63097https://www.businessinsider.com/future-ukraine-air-force-taking-shape-rafale-gripen-f16-2025-11
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