The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has received approval to acquire 18 Archer artillery systems from BAE Systems Bofors, which are to be provided as aid to Ukraine.
FMV is also set to secure five Arthur counter-battery radar systems from Saab for the same purpose.
These systems are designed to enhance Ukraine’s ability to detect and respond to enemy artillery, with Arthur radars specifically used to locate the origin of artillery projectiles.
The artillery support bundle is valued at around Skr3bn ($296.66m).
Delivery timelines for the donated equipment have been set, with the Arthur radar systems scheduled to commence in 2025 and the Archer artillery units following in 2026.
Sweden aims to bolster Ukraine’s industrial capabilities by joining a Danish-led initiative. This financial backing could be used for various purposes, such as purchasing 155mm ammunition or investing in Bohdana artillery systems.
Sweden also plans to engage with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s artillery coalition, which aims to develop and strengthen Ukraine’s artillery capabilities and foster greater interoperability with Nato forces.
The support package is expected to have a broader impact, potentially increasing the security of supply and production capacity of defence materiel not only in Ukraine but also in Sweden and across Europe.
This package forms part of Sweden’s 18th military support initiative to the country.
In September 2024, Sweden presented its 17th military support package to Ukraine, valued at Skr4.6bn.
Sweden Defence Minister Pål Jonson said: “Ukraine is in urgent need of artillery and artillery ammunition.
“This has been a priority for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov highlighted this point when I met him at the weekend.”
This follows the 2024 agreement by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence to acquire an upgraded Swedish PbV 302 armoured personnel carrier from Hägglund & Söner.
