On Thursday, September 11, the Swedish government announced a $8.6 billion military aid package for Ukraine. The support has been agreed at a time when Kyiv looks for stronger backing from its allies against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Military aid will rise to 40 billion Swedish kronor ($4.27 billion; €3.64 billion) each year for the next two years.
The defense ministry also unveiled a new aid package that included 18 Archer artillery units with ammunition, long-range drones, air defense systems and coastal surveillance equipment.
A press release from the government stated that Sweden’s own security situation and the rebuilding of its national defense have steadily reduced the possibility of donating already existing equipment deemed surplus to the country’s own needs:
Instead, the procurement of newly manufactured military equipment from Sweden’s extensive defense industry is now the most effective tool for the government—particularly since Swedish products are in high demand by Ukraine.
Sweden is the EU’s fifth-largest donor to Ukraine relative to its GDP, according to the Kiel Institute.
