Sweden has unveiled its 16th and largest military aid package to Ukraine, valued at €1.16 billion, in response to Russia’s ongoing offensive. The aid includes advanced early warning aircraft, missiles, and air defense systems.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced the package, stating, “Sweden will donate a new military capability to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. Package 16 will be the largest military aid package yet at €1.16 billion. Sweden will donate Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft (ASC 890) to Ukraine.”
The early warning aircraft are intended to work in conjunction with the F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine is set to receive this year. Additionally, Sweden will provide an undisclosed number of Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for both ground-based and air defense systems. The package also includes 155mm artillery ammunition, resources to maintain previously donated equipment, and Sweden’s entire stock of PBV 302 armored tracked personnel carriers to support the formation of new Ukrainian units.
Moreover, the Swedish Defence Research Agency will assist Ukraine in establishing its own defense research institute. Sweden will enhance Ukraine’s command and control capabilities by donating terminals with satellite communications subscriptions.
“The donation will entail a temporary decrease in Sweden’s defense capability, which will be addressed by procuring additional S 106 GlobalEye aircraft and advancing previous orders for two new GlobalEye aircraft. Sweden will also purchase new armored vehicles and missiles to replace the donated ones,” the ministry said.
Since the beginning of the conflict with Russia, Sweden has provided a total of 43.5 billion krone (€3.8 billion) in aid to Ukraine. This support includes the provision for Ukraine to use these weapons on Russian soil.
