New large support package to Ukraine focused on air defence

The package also includes innovation projects aimed at identifying new solutions to Ukraine’s military problems, funding of Sweden’s participation in bilateral and multilateral training initiatives, and funds for supply of previously donated materiel. With this support package, Sweden’s military support to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion totals around SEK 103 billion. 

On 24 February, four years will have passed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sweden’s support remains unwavering, and military support is vital to strengthening Ukraine in its defence against Russia. 

Sweden’s support packages are based on Ukraine’s priorities and needs, and Ukraine has specifically requested support for air defence, long-range weapons systems and ammunition. 

The 21st support package includes the following main components.

Procurement of newly manufactured air defence equipment valued at SEK 4.3 billion

The single largest item in the support package is Sweden’s initiative to support Ukraine with advanced short-range air defence capability. This air defence capability is designed modularly with gun and missile systems, interceptors, electronic warfare systems, active and passive sensors, and command and control systems. This capability is designed to defend large areas from airborne threats. This may pertain to particularly vital military or civilian infrastructure, such as deployment areas, ports, power stations or residential areas. 

Ammunition, training and supply valued at SEK 3 billion

The support package also includes procurement of large quantities of ammunition, including long-range artillery shells, various types of 40 mm air defence ammunition and 12 cm grenade launcher ammunition.

In 2026, the Swedish Armed Forces continues to conduct and participate in bilateral and multilateral training activities to develop Ukraine’s defence capability. These activities include training on materiel that Sweden has donated to Ukraine and contributions to multilateral training initiatives. Some examples are the EU’s military training initiative in support of Ukraine, Nordic-Baltic ammunition and mine clearance training in Lithuania, and Task Force Legio, which aims to equip and train brigade-size units.

The 21st support package also includes donations of materiel from the Swedish Armed Forces. This relates to such materiel that can be spared for a limited time period. The package includes recoilless rifles with ancillary equipment and ammunition of various types. The Swedish Armed Forces is being appropriated funds to carry out replacement procurements for the donated materiel and the transport of materiel to Ukraine. 

Since 2022, Sweden has provided extensive materiel and systems in support of Ukraine. Funds have therefore been set aside for a supply solution concerning previously donated materiel. The supply solution concerns spare parts, repairs and maintenance of equipment that Sweden has donated. Some of these maintenance measures are carried out by industry in both Sweden and Ukraine, whereas others are carried out by the Swedish Armed Forces. The supply solution also includes training for mechanics and operators carried out by the Swedish Armed Forces.

Long-range capability, innovation, economic donations, etc. valued at SEK 5.6 billion

The support package also comprises procurement and development projects that enhances Ukraine’s battlefield capability. The package includes an expansion of a cooperation project with Ukraine on long-range drones.

It also finances two projects aimed at providing Ukraine with unmanned surface vessels.

The support package includes funds allocated to the expansion of ongoing innovation initiatives for Ukraine aimed at identifying and utilising technological innovations that require additional financing for their completion and subsequent production. Through the 19th support package, the Defence Materiel Administration was tasked with identifying testing and financing solutions requested by Ukraine, but these still need to be completed and prepared for military applications. Specific requests from Ukraine and short lead times are prioritised in this work. The response from suppliers has been strong, and the initiative is now being expanded.

Sweden will continue to provide support to the international funds for joint material purchasing that were created within frameworks such as the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) donation mechanism. Within the scope of the PURL, the United States provides American defence materiel that is highly prioritised by Ukraine, such as advanced air defence systems and ammunition. The materiel is financed by Allies and partner countries. The Government plans to set aside more than SEK 1 billion for various types of economic donations. Within the scope of these funds, Sweden plans to donate USD 100 million to PURL, approximately SEK 50 million to the capability coalition for electronic warfare and around SEK 20 million to the marine capability coalition.

The support package also includes services from the Swedish Defence Research Agency. The Agency is able to continue working to improve Ukraine’s nuclear weapon detection capability and help update algorithms for surveillance systems. 

Support to civilian defence is also included in the package, helping improve Ukraine’s capability to counter malign information influence from Russia.