UPPSALA, Sweden: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Ukraine will buy 20 new Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, while Sweden will donate 16 older Gripen jets next year.

Last year, both countries signed an agreement that could allow Ukraine to buy up to 150 newer Gripen E jets, although delivery will take several years. Ukraine considers these planes very important to strengthening its air force, and its defense minister said a deal for the new jets could be signed soon after the European Union approved a 90-billion-euro loan for the country.

Kristersson said Gripen jets are the best choice for Ukraine, while Zelenskyy called the deal a major step forward and said he hopes to buy all 150 jets mentioned earlier. He also said Ukraine has set aside 2.5 billion euros from the EU loan to help pay for them, with deliveries of the new model expected to start around 2030.

In the meantime, the older Gripen C/D jets being donated will help improve Ukraine's air defense as a temporary solution.

Saab AB, which makes the Gripen jets, saw its shares rise after the announcement. Its CEO, Michael Johansson, said the deal is an important moment for the company and shows growing global interest in the aircraft.

Sweden has been a major supporter of Ukraine, providing about 128 billion Swedish krona in military and civilian aid so far, and planning to give more in the coming years.

Ukraine's air force currently uses a mix of older Soviet-era and Western aircraft. The Gripen is seen as a cheaper and more practical option than advanced jets like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, as it is easier to maintain and can operate from simple bases such as regular roads.

For Sweden, the deal also helps boost its defense industry, which has seen rising demand since Russia invaded Ukraine.