Sweden pledges Ukraine’s largest military aid package to date
Published: Wednesday, May 29th 2024, 14:20
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Sweden has promised Ukraine its largest ever military aid package of 13.3 billion Swedish kronor (around 1.14 billion Swiss francs). The package is intended to strengthen Ukraine's air defense in particular, as the Swedish government announced on Wednesday. The package includes aircraft and armored personnel carriers.
"Ukraine urgently needs to strengthen its air defense," said Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson at a press conference. The package is the 16th from Sweden and about twice as large as the last one. As part of the package, Sweden will provide two ASC 890 radar reconnaissance and command and control aircraft. According to Defense Minister Jonson, these currently have "the greatest impact on Ukrainian air defense" as they will complement and reinforce the promised donations of US F-16 fighter jets. The aircraft are to be introduced gradually as soon as Ukraine also receives F-16 fighter jets.
In addition, the entire Swedish stock of armored personnel carriers 302 (APC 302) is to be made available to support the development of new Ukrainian army brigades. According to the government, Sweden has provided 43.5 billion Swedish kronor (around 3.7 billion Swiss francs) in military aid since the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine in February 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi thanked Sweden on X and explained that the support was crucial for Ukraine's defense and resilience. "It is also important that the Swedish assistance not only saves Ukrainian lives, but also helps to ensure long-term peace and security in Europe," he wrote. "Together we will defend our common values and ensure that the aggressor is brought to justice."
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