Sweden commits US$684.7 million in equipment and funds to Ukraine
Sweden has announced its 15th and largest support package to Ukraine, a commitment worth SEK7.1 billion (US$684.7 million) which will include naval and marine systems, as well as a budget to purchase more BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 combat vehicles.
The funding, along with an addition of SEK700 million in package 14, has brought Sweden’s total military support to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion of the country in February 2022 to SEK30 billion.
The package included a maritime initiative that includes Combat Boat 90s, small and fast motorboats (G-boats), and underwater weapons.
The package also featured artillery ammunition, an anti-aircraft system, light anti-tank weapons, recoilless rifles, hand grenades, medical equipment, medical transport vehicles, food, and financial support to bilateral and multilateral projects or funds.
Specific elements of the package included 155mm ammunition worth about SEK2 billion and, according to a government statement, “Sweden is engaged in a dialogue about this matter with Denmark and Finland”.
The maritime commitment consisted of 10 Combat Boat 90s, 20 Group Boats (G-boats) and underwater weapons worth about SEK1.1 billion.
The package featured Saab RBS 70 anti-aircraft system and BGM-71 (RBS 55) light anti-tank weapons, as well as recoilless rifles with ammunition, personal equipment in the form of hand grenades, medical equipment, medical transport vehicles and food.
According to the Swedish government, the equipment in the support package has been used by the Swedish Armed Forces, but it has “made the assessment that it may be donated if replacement purchases are made soon”.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.