Sweden contributes SEK 4.8 billion to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability

The international community has established a number of funds and initiatives for the procurement of materiel and equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capability. Sweden provides support to several of them. 

On 22 May, the Government instructed the Swedish Armed Forces to provide additional economic donations worth approximately SEK 4.8 billion. These donations are part of a 19th support package presented by the Government on 31 March and adopted by the Riksdag on 29 April. 

“These disbursements will make Ukraine’s armed forces and defence industry stronger in their defence against Russia,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

Contributions to several capability coalitions 

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) is a cooperation format consisting of almost 60 countries and organisations that meet regularly to coordinate international military support to Ukraine. Within the framework of the UDCG, capability coalitions have been established to coordinate and mobilise support in various areas.

Many of these capability coalitions manage funds for purposes such as procuring materiel and equipment that Ukraine requests in the areas in which the respective coalitions work. The Government decided to make donations to the following coalitions. 

• The Demining Capability Coalition: SEK 100 million. Sweden’s donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of mine clearance equipment, including mine sensors, vehicles and personal protective equipment. 
  
  
• The Drone Coalition: SEK 300 million. Sweden’s donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of various types of unmanned aerial vehicles.
  
  
• The Maritime Capability Coalition: SEK 50 million. Sweden’s donation will contribute to funding for the training of personnel of the Ukrainian Navy within the framework of Operation Intercharge.
  
  
• The IT Coalition: SEK 30 million. Sweden’s donation will contribute to funding for the procurement of equipment to establish Ukraine’s DELTA situational awareness system. 

Continued support to the Danish model for procurement in Ukraine 

Sweden has previously contributed to the Danish model for procurement of materiel and equipment for Ukraine from the Ukrainian defence industry. The Government has now decided to contribute additionally over SEK 1 billion to this model. Strengthening the Ukrainian defence industrial base and security of supplies is a vital part of the long-term build-up Ukraine’s defence capability. 

Co-financing of materiel for Ukrainian ground combat capability  

The Government has also decided to donate SEK 418 million for the procurement of materiel to support the build-up of Ukraine’s ground combat capability, including armoured vehicles. Denmark is leading the procurement. Ukraine has requested support from the Nordic and Baltic countries to support the development of its mechanised ground combat capability. For this reason, Sweden has initiated cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries. This cooperation enables joint solutions and coordination of support to achieve a greater impact for Ukraine. 

Ammunition procurement 

As a complement to the procurement of ammunition for Ukraine within Sweden, the Government has decided to support two multilateral initiatives for ammunition procurement.

Czechia has launched an initiative for the international purchase of large volumes of ammunition with short delivery times. This includes artillery shells that Ukraine dearly needs. Sweden has previously contributed to this initiative, and the Government has now decided to donate an additional SEK 550 million. 

Estonia has undertaken a similar initiative that also aims to co-finance ammunition procurement. The Government has now decided to contribute just over SEK 546 million to the Estonian initiative. 

Sweden’s donations to these ammunition initiatives are an important contribution towards the EU goal of providing Ukraine with at least 2 million artillery shells in 2025. 

Support for air defence and long-range drones

Air defence systems and long-range drones are a top priority of the Ukrainian armed forces. For this reason, the Government is allocating over SEK 1 billion for the multilateral procurement of air defence systems and long-range drones to combat targets deep behind enemy lines.