Planes, missiles, armoured personnel carriers: Sweden provides a record military aid package to Ukraine
29 May 2024 13:12
The Swedish government has presented the 16th and largest military aid package to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia. This is stated in a statement by the Swedish government, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“Sweden is helping Ukraine with brand-new capabilities that strengthen Ukraine’s joint air defence. The package, which will be included in the upcoming budget with additional amendments, amounts to SEK 13.3 billion (about $1.3 billion – Ed.) and meets Ukraine’s priority needs,” the statement said,
– the statement reads.
AIR DEFENCE
As part of the support package, Sweden is donating ASC 890 aircraft with radar reconnaissance and targeting capabilities. The aircraft has a comprehensive solution that includes training, technical equipment and methodological support for radar reconnaissance and air combat management.
“The ASC 890 provides Ukraine with completely new capabilities for radar reconnaissance and combat targeting in the air and at sea. It strengthens Ukraine’s ability to detect and engage long-range targets,”
– the Government of Sweden noted.
To further strengthen Ukraine’s air defence, the support package also includes the Rb 99 (AMRAAM) robotic fighter aircraft, which can be used both on aircraft and in ground-based air defence systems. The Rb 99 (AMRAAM) was transferred to Ukraine through cooperation with the United States. The robots are being modified for ground-based air defence systems.
Ammunition
The aid package also includes 155 mm artillery ammunition and resources to maintain previously transferred equipment.
Armoured vehicles
Sweden is donating its entire stock of Pansarbandvagn 302 (Pbv 302) tracked armoured personnel carriers, including spare parts, technical equipment and ammunition, to support the development of new brigades in the Ukrainian army.
the 16th military support package also includes:
- Tanks that are surplus to requirements in the Swedish Armed Forces.
- Maintenance of previously donated Swedish equipment.
- Financial support for funds and temporary initiatives for rapid and large-scale procurement of equipment for Ukraine.
The Swedish Defence Research Agency will also be tasked with supporting Ukraine in establishing its own defence research institute.
In addition, the aid package will strengthen Ukraine’s command and control capabilities by providing terminals with satellite communications subscriptions.
