Sweden commits SEK 12.9 billion tranche to bolster Ukraine’s air defence

The Swedish government has announced one of its largest military support packages to date for Ukraine.

The twenty-first package is valued at nearly SEK 12.9 billion, equivalent to around 1.2 billion euro, and largely comprises newly produced air defence materiel, long-range strike capabilities and ammunition, according to the Ministry of Defence.

With this tranche, Sweden’s total military support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion rises to approximately SEK 103 billion, or 9.6 billion euro.

Earlier this month, Sweden and Denmark said they would jointly procure and donate Tridon Mk2 air defence systems to Ukraine under a programme valued at SEK 2.6 billion, equivalent to 246 million euro.

Advanced capabilities

Swedish support packages are structured around Ukraine’s stated priorities and operational requirements, with recurring requests for air defence, long-range strike systems and ammunition.

The package allocates SEK 4.3 billion, or 404 million euro, for the procurement of newly produced air defence equipment.

The largest single element is a Swedish initiative to provide Ukraine with a composite advanced short-range air defence capability.

The modular capability comprises gun and missile systems, combat drones, electronic warfare systems, active and passive sensors, and command and control systems, the Ministry of Defence said.

Protection

It is intended to defend wider areas against airborne threats, including critical military and civilian infrastructure such as staging areas, ports, power plants and residential districts.

A further SEK 3 billion, equivalent to 281 million euro, is allocated to ammunition, training and sustainment.

This includes the acquisition of large quantities of ammunition, including long-range artillery shells, 40 mm anti-aircraft ammunition and 120 mm mortar rounds.

On 24 February, it will be four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.