Heavy advanced weapons to Ukraine in new support package
Published
Today, 24 February, the Government presented a new extensive support package for Ukraine. It includes subsystems of the HAWK anti-aircraft system and essential parts of the IRIS-T anti-aircraft system, in cooperation with Germany. Sweden also intends to provide up to ten Leopard 2 battle tanks.
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Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices
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Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices
Today, as the war in Ukraine enters its second year, the need for military support remains high. In this support package, the eleventh to be provided, the Government plans to donate defence equipment that is highly prioritised by Ukraine in its requests for assistance.
Ukraine has stated that air defence systems, ability for long-range precision combat, and various types of combat vehicles and battle tanks are particularly essential.
In response, the Government intends to donate parts of the HAWK air defence system. In addition, Sweden – in cooperation with Germany – intends to ensure Ukraine’s access to additional IRIS-T air defence system, for which Sweden is providing essential parts.
To further strengthen Ukraine’s defence, the Government intends to donate up to ten Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, subject to authorisation by the Riksdag. Sweden’s provision of battle tanks supplements and strengthens other European countries’ contributions of Leopard 2 tanks. Coordination of the support is ongoing with international partners that are providing Leopard 2 or other battle tanks.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Press Secretary to Minister for Defence Pål Jonson
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 126 69 22
email to Johan Hjelmstrand
Facts:
HAWK
Eldenhet 97 is a medium-range anti-aircraft missile system. The system is used to protect societies and critical infrastructure from hostile air and robot attacks.
IRIS-T
Eldenhet 98 is a Swedish-German anti-aircraft system that can shoot down aircraft and cruise missiles at short range.
Leopard 2
Stridsvagn 122 is the Swedish version of the German battle tank Leopard 2. The crew consists of four members: a driver, a commander, a gunner and a loader. The tank is armed with a 12 centimetre cannon, two 7.62 millimetre machine guns and a smoke discharger.
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