Defense Express reported the information.Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson told Breaking Defense that the three-year delivery timeline for new Gripen E fighters will remain unchanged from the moment a contract is signed, whether the war continues or ends. The minister emphasized that Sweden is committed to steady progress on supplying its fighters to Ukraine without delays, but noted that speeding up deliveries is impossible due to industrial limitations."We are continuing to review options for transferring older JAS 39 C/D Gripen models from our own fleet," Jonson said, suggesting these earlier versions could serve as a bridge while Ukraine awaits the more advanced E-variant. However, no final decision has been made on this proposal, and the minister stressed that any arrangement would depend on Ukraine's specific needs and ongoing negotiations.The announcement comes as Ukraine has expressed interest in purchasing up to 100 French Rafale fighters, adding complexity to Kyiv's efforts to modernize its air force. Defense experts note that Sweden's measured approach reflects the realities facing Saab, the manufacturer of Gripen jets, which is experiencing surging international demand while operating with limited production capacity.Sweden itself only received its first Gripen E this year, and the company's order book continues to grow. Canada is also considering the aircraft, though Swedish officials say no details or timelines have been established for that potential deal.One factor that could eventually accelerate production is the possibility of localizing manufacturing in Ukraine, which is currently being explored alongside the potential purchase contract. While establishing production facilities on Ukrainian territory would increase output over time, defense analysts caution that setting up such operations requires significant lead time, particularly for components like engines that are sourced from other countries.For now, Swedish officials maintain that securing funding and finalizing purchase agreements remain the most critical steps before concrete delivery schedules and potential acceleration options can be determined.