In a significant boost to Ukraine’s defense capabilities, Sweden has announced a substantial military aid package worth 13.3 billion kronor (€1.16 billion).
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch announced the aid package, describing it as Sweden’s largest and 16th contribution to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the new military aid, calling it “life-saving” and vital for Ukraine’s defense and resilience, according to AFP.
“This contribution is crucial for Ukraine’s defense and its ability to endure,” Zelensky stated on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
He emphasized that the aid would help ensure long-term peace and security in Europe.
The package from Stockholm includes aircraft equipped with ASC 890 reconnaissance radars, providing Ukraine with new airborne radar reconnaissance capabilities to manage combat against aerial and maritime targets.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson highlighted that these radar-equipped planes would allow Kyiv to detect cruise missiles, drones, and targets on land and sea.
Additionally, Sweden will supply its entire stock of 302 armored personnel carriers to support the formation of new Ukrainian army brigades. The aid package also includes RB 99 combat missiles.
Addressing concerns about the use of Swedish weapons on Russian soil, Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström clarified that under international law, Ukraine’s combat against military targets in Russia is legitimate. He noted that the provided weapon systems have limited range, thus not posing significant concerns for Sweden.
While Sweden had considered sending Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine, it decided to pause this project to prioritize the delivery of F-16 jets requested by partner nations.
