Ukraine is not only buying Western fighters — it wants to build them. The contracts Kyiv has signed for Gripen y Rafale jets include provisions to localise their production and maintenance inside Ukraine, the country’s Air Force aviation commander has confirmed.

Colonel Oleksandr Diakiv said the manufacturers are willing to help — once the security situation allows. For now, he added, relocating aircraft repair facilities to Ukraine makes little sense while Russian strikes can still reach cities such as Lviv, Uzhhorod and Chernivtsi.

Build them in Ukraine

Speaking about the future of the service, Diakiv was explicit that home-grown production is written into the deals, not merely hoped for.

The caveat is security. Diakiv noted that building or repairing fighters at home is impractical while Russian long-range weapons can still reach the far west of the country. The intent, and the contractual basis, are in place; the timing depends on the war.

The Gripen deal

On 30 June 2026, Sweden and Ukraine signed an agreement for the first 16 Saab Gripen E fighters, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2029. Ukraine has spoken of eventually acquiring between 100 and 150 Gripen E/F jets, and Stockholm and Kyiv have agreed to localise production — under current plans, from 2033, covering everything from assembling major components to manufacturing individual parts.

The Rafale deal

France and Ukraine signed a declaration of intent in November 2025 covering the purchase of up to 100 Rafale F4 multirole fighters by 2035, along with possible technology transfer and joint production in Ukraine. On 13 July 2026 the two sides agreed on an initial batch of 16 Rafales, with the first French fighters expected in 2028–2029. A Ukrainian delegation has already discussed localising Rafale production with Dassault Aviation.

Sources: Militarnyi; statements by Col. Oleksandr Diakiv; Ukrainian and Swedish government announcements.