Sweden allocates over $500 million in military aid to Ukraine
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson (Getty Images)
The Swedish government has donated approximately 4.8 billion SEK (around $504 million) to funds and initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, according to the official website of the Swedish government.
"The international community has established a number of multilateral funds and initiatives aimed at procuring logistical support and equipment to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. Sweden is contributing to several of them," the statement reads.
It is noted that these donations are part of the 19th support package for Ukraine, which was presented by the government on March 31 and approved by the country's parliament on April 29.
"These contributions will strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the country's defense industry in their protection against Russia," said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
Specifically, the aid includes contributions to several capability coalitions within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group:
- Mine Action Coalition: SEK 100 million allocated for demining equipment, such as mine detectors, vehicles, and personal protective gear.
- Drone Coalition: SEK 300 million for the procurement of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Maritime Security Coalition: SEK 50 million to train personnel from Ukraine's Navy as part of Operation Intercharge.
- Security and IT Management Coalition: SEK 30 million to purchase equipment for establishing Ukraine's Delta command-and-control system.
Sweden has also approved an additional contribution to the so-called Danish model for weapons procurement, with the government allocating over SEK 1 billion.
In addition, SEK 418 million will be used to procure equipment supporting the expansion of Ukraine's ground combat capabilities, including armored vehicles. Denmark is leading these procurement efforts.
As a complement to Sweden's national ammunition purchases for Ukraine, the government has also decided to support two multilateral ammunition procurement initiatives.
Sweden had previously contributed to the Czech-led initiative and has now allocated an additional SEK 550 million to it. Sweden will also finance the Estonian initiative with just over SEK 546 million.
The Swedish government notes that these contributions to ammunition efforts are an essential part of the EU's goal to deliver at least 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025.
According to Swedish officials, air defense systems and long-range drones remain a top priority for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which is why the government is allocating more than SEK 1 billion for the procurement of both.
Sweden's support for Ukraine
Sweden has been actively supporting Ukraine during its war with Russia by providing military, financial, and humanitarian assistance. The country supplies weapons, equipment, and technology to help strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities. It also takes part in training Ukrainian soldiers and supports Ukraine's defense industry.
In addition to military aid, Sweden funds the reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure, demining efforts, and the provision of medical assistance.
In March, the Swedish government allocated an additional $7.57 million for demining and drone support for Ukraine.
Most recently, the Swedish government unveiled its 19th aid package for Ukraine, which is the largest to date since the start of the full-scale war.
