Sweden commits another $1.3 billion to Ukraine
Sweden has announced its 16th aid package to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. The commitment of SEK13.3 billion (US$1.3 billion) included tracked vehicles, airborne surveillance aircraft, ammunition and missiles, and has taken the country’s total commitment during the war to SEK43.5 billion.
The package will include ASC 90 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft, Sweden’s entire stock of armoured tracked personnel carriers (PBV 302) to support the reconstruction of new Ukrainian brigades, and modified RB 99 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) for land-based air defence.
The deal will also include surplus fuel transport vehicles from the Swedish Armed Forces, 155mm ammunition and maintenance of previously donated Swedish material, while C2 capability will be boosted through a donation of terminals with subscriptions for satellite communications.
Sweden will also provide financial support to capability coalitions and to initiatives to enable swift and large-scale procurement of materiel by Ukraine. In connection with the package, the Swedish Defence Research Agency will be tasked with supporting Ukraine in establishing its own defence research institute.
As part of the package, Sweden will move to boost capability gaps created by donations, for example, by procuring additional GlobalEye aircraft and advancing previous orders for two new GlobalEye aircraft. Sweden will also purchase additional vehicles and AMRAAMs to replace donations.
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