Ukraine to receive unique weaponry equipped with anti-drone radar
Photo: an Iranian-made drone (Getty Images)
European countries are expanding support for Ukraine’s air defense by stepping up joint procurement of modern air defense systems, according to a publication by Defense Express.
Read also: Ukraine orders 18 modern IRIS-T air defense systems for the front
The new project provides for the delivery of systems focused, in particular, on countering drones, with the first transfers expected as early as next year.
Joint initiative of Denmark and Sweden
Denmark has officially joined Sweden in financing the supply of Tridon Mk2 air defense systems to Ukraine. The initiative involves joint procurement of air defense complexes in a specialized configuration equipped with a Swedish counter-drone radar. Other countries have been invited to join the effort, and deliveries are expected to begin within 12 months.
Funding and scope of assistance
According to government data, under Sweden’s 18th, 19th, and 20th military aid packages, Stockholm has allocated 2.1 billion kronor (about $235 million) to finance these systems. Information about the project first became public in February 2025.
Denmark, for its part, is allocating 480 million kronor (around $53.74 million). It is noted that this amount is sufficient to equip one battalion with air defense systems. The total budget of the initiative currently stands at nearly 2.58 billion kronor, or approximately $289 million.
Possible project expansion
Authorities in Stockholm have said they are ready to order additional anti-aircraft units if new countries join the joint procurement. So far, there have been no official announcements of additional participants.
Tridon Mk2 features
The Tridon Mk2 system was first presented by BAE Systems at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition. It is based on the 40-mm Bofors gun, which has been used on various platforms for more than 90 years.
For Ukraine, the system will include integration of the Saab Giraffe 1X radar with a detection range of up to 75 km, as well as the supply of spare parts and a substantial amount of ammunition, including P3 programmable air-burst rounds.
Technical specifications
The gun can engage targets at distances of up to 12 km with a rate of fire of 200–300 rounds per minute. By default, the system is mounted on a Scania 6x6 truck chassis, though other wheeled or tracked platforms can also be used.
In 2025, the Alpha Special Operations Center of Ukraine’s Security Service demonstrated the best results among all Defense Forces units in neutralizing fixed-wing drones, leading in the number of targets shot down.
In Poland, an unidentified drone crashed on the territory of a military unit in the town of Przasnysz, initially raising suspicions of possible reconnaissance activity.
