New purchases of defence materiel to Ukraine

The decision implements parts of support packages 18 and 19 to Ukraine, which were previously communicated.

“This decision puts pressure on Russia’s invading troops on the ground, underwater and in the air. It will also allow Ukraine to continue using the Swedish Archer system that has performed well on the battlefield,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

New gun barrels for the Archer system

Artillery warfare in Ukraine is extremely intensive and gun barrels have rapidly been worn out. Ukraine has requested new gun barrels for the eight Archer systems that have been in active use for a long time.

Today’s decision means that the Defence Materiel Administration can expand the existing order of gun barrels that are already in production for the new Archer systems that have been purchased for Ukraine and Sweden. More than 10 barrels will be sent to Ukraine.

Underwater systems and long-range capability

The Government has also decided to support Ukraine with certain underwater systems and long-range strike capability. This will take place through expanded orders of materiel included in previous support packages and procurement of existing high-performance materiel that is needed in Ukraine.

Logistics package

Ukraine’s military forces have a need for effective transport and handling of heavy goods. The Swedish Government has therefore decided to donate a logistics package that includes a large number of trucks and wheel loaders procured through the Defence Materiel Administration’s framework agreements with Volvo and Scania. The package also includes an innovative system for faster loading and unloading of containers.

Unloading of containers takes time and requires access to specific infrastructure and equipment, such as cranes and wheel loaders. The warfare in Ukraine instead requires the ability to quickly unload containers in terrain with limited space in order to avoid being attacked by artillery and drones.

The Government therefore intends to purchase an innovative system for handling containers. This involves a Swedish side-lift system that allows swift and simple handling of both containers and other loads such as combat vehicles. This system can be adapted to terrain conditions and allows for better handling of special-purpose containers for health care and maintenance, for example. The system will now be tested in Ukraine in active conditions and help design tactical concepts for logistics units.