Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on Thursday that Ukraine and Sweden had signed the first document for the formation of the Eagle Lion fighter fleet, calling the agreement a ¡°historic step¡± in strengthening Ukraine¡¯s air force and long-term security, Zelensky said, adding that the agreement covers up to 150 Swedish-made Eagle Lion fighters and called it ¡°a long-term security guarantee for a strong, modern and independent Ukraine.¡±

On the 23rd local time, Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson and Ukrainian Prime Minister Zelensky were in front of a Gripen E fighter jet

According to the U.S. ¡°war zone¡± website, Swedish Prime Minister Christensen and Ukrainian President Zelensky signed a letter of intent (LOI) on 23rd to ¡°deep the cooperation between the air forces of the two countries.¡±Christensen said the cornerstone of the letter of intent was a potential major export deal involving ¡°potentially 100 to 150 fighters.¡±Christensen and Zelensky signed the letter of intent in front of an ¡°Earl Lion¡± E fighter aircraft located in Linzhen, which is the home of the ¡°Earl Lion¡± E fighter aircraft manufacturing plant.

In Linköping, Zelenskyy "had the opportunity to see firsthand the powerful performance of the Gripen," Kristersson said, describing the letter of intent as "a step towards a large-scale export agreement for the Gripen." Zelensky, for his part, said at a press conference that he hopes Ukraine can receive and start using Gripen fighter jets next year.

US media said that even if Ukraine "only" receives 100 Gripen E/F fighters, it will be by far the largest export order for this model and the largest arms sales project in Sweden's history. So far, Brazil has ordered 36 of these fighters, Thailand has ordered 4, and Colombia will purchase 15 to 24. Sweden ordered 60.

The Eagle Lion fighter is known for being relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, and capable of operating in harsh conditions ¡ª able to use roads and even ground roads as runways.