Government Announces New Support Package for Ukraine
In a bid to aid Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, the government has announced an additional amendment budget that includes a proposal for a new support package. This support package, the fourteenth of its kind, is valued at approximately SEK 1.7 billion and consists of artillery ammunition, spare parts, infantry equipment, communication equipment, and ammunition for the Stridsfordon 90. The government also plans to make decisions on additional measures to supplement the direct material support, bringing the total value of the package to approximately SEK 2.2 billion. Additionally, the government has tasked the Swedish Armed Forces with analyzing and reporting on the conditions for supporting Ukraine with the JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft.
Ukraine, which continues to suffer in Russia’s war, has expressed the urgent need for support, including ammunition, spare parts, infantry equipment, and a modern combat aircraft system. In response, Sweden has been continuously assessing the conditions for providing support. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden has already donated material worth over SEK 20 billion in thirteen military support packages. With this fourteenth package, the total donations will amount to approximately SEK 22.2 billion.
One significant component of the support package is artillery ammunition, as it is in high demand by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The proposed donation includes 155 mm artillery ammunition, which is compatible with the artillery systems donated by Western countries. Spare parts and ammunition for Combat Vehicle 90 were already part of the previous support package, and the government now proposes additional donations in this regard.
The government also plans to donate infantry equipment such as protective vests and automatic carbines. Group equipment like all-terrain vehicles, stretchers, night vision and binoculars, as well as winter equipment, will also be included in the support package. Additionally, Ukraine’s request for communication equipment suitable for long-distance connections will be fulfilled through the proposed donation of satellite equipment.
Aside from the equipment contributions, the government plans to extend Sweden’s contribution to the British-led Interflex operation and the Nordic mine clearance training in Lithuania. The Interflex efforts aim to train Ukrainian recruits with the involvement of Swedish instructors, while the demining training in Lithuania trains Ukrainian officers to become qualified demining instructors. The Swedish Armed Forces will also have increased opportunities to conduct training for Ukrainian personnel in Sweden at short notice. Furthermore, the government plans to cover the subscription costs for the donated satellite systems.
The assignment to thoroughly analyze the conditions for possible support with the JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft has been assigned to the Swedish Armed Forces, with support from the Defense Materiel Administration (FMV). The analysis must assess the impact on defense capabilities, defense economics, and other defense activities and planning. Notably, the report will consider the training that Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have already undergone under the Swedish Armed Forces. The armed forces must also report on the conditions for possible support within the international F-16 coalition, of which Sweden is a part. However, a prerequisite for potential support with the JAS 39 Gripen is that Sweden first becomes a member of NATO. The report on these matters is expected to be delivered on November 6, coinciding with ÖB leaving its military council.