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Breaking News: Sweden Approves Record Military Aid to Ukraine Including Air Defence - Artillery and Satellite Communications.
On March 31, 2025, the Swedish Government unveiled its most substantial military support package to Ukraine to date, amounting to nearly SEK 16 billion, which corresponds to approximately €1.39 billion. This package directly addresses Ukraine’s pressing needs for enhanced capabilities in areas such as air defence, artillery, satellite communications, and naval operations. When combined with the earlier aid announced in 2025, Sweden’s total military support for Ukraine this year amounts to SEK 29.5 billion, or approximately €2.57 billion. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Sweden has contributed approximately SEK 80 billion in military aid to Ukraine.
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Swedish donated Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks, a Swedish variant of the Leopard 2A5, now in service with the Ukrainian Army. (Picture source: Social Network)
The latest, and 19th, military aid package is made possible through a budget adjustment allowing for the transfer of funds initially allocated for 2026 to be used in 2025. This strategic shift raises the economic framework for support to Ukraine to approximately SEK 40 billion for the year. The package is the result of close consultation with Ukrainian authorities and international partners to ensure it meets Ukraine’s operational defence needs.
A major portion of the support—about SEK 9.2 billion (€800 million)—is earmarked for the procurement of defence materiel. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) is authorized to source equipment from Swedish, Nordic, and European defence industries. The priority is on items that can be delivered quickly and are crucial for Ukraine’s defensive operations. These include ammunition, air defence systems, maritime equipment, satellite communications systems, infantry gear, and armoured vehicles.
Financial contributions exceed SEK 5 billion (€434.78 million), supporting multilateral initiatives such as those coordinated under the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG). This funding also enhances Sweden’s cooperation with Denmark under the Danish model, which channels support to Ukraine’s defence industry. These multilateral avenues enable faster, more coordinated procurement and delivery of critical military equipment.
Further contributions involve the donation of materiel from the Swedish Armed Forces valued at approximately SEK 500 million (€43.48 million). These donations, considered surplus or temporarily available, include medical service vehicles, training weapons for the m/86 anti-tank system, m/58 machine guns, small-calibre ammunition, around 100 vehicles for air base operations, workshop equipment, medical transport vehicles, personal gear, and basic provisions.
The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is also contributing, with services worth SEK 11 million (€956,522). Their involvement includes specialized support in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) analysis and advanced drone-based vehicle detection systems. These services are intended to provide Ukraine with critical battlefield intelligence and safety capabilities.
To foster innovation closer to combat environments, funds have been designated to support the rapid development and deployment of technical solutions that are still in early production stages. The FMV will work with Ukrainian and international partners to identify and fast-track innovations that address immediate military requirements.
Recognizing the financial risks of defence-related exports to Ukraine, Sweden is offering export credit guarantees worth SEK 500 million (€43.48 million). These guarantees, administered by the Swedish Export Credit Agency, are intended to encourage more Swedish companies to participate in defence-related deliveries to Ukraine by mitigating commercial risks associated with these transactions.
In order to maintain the operability of previously delivered equipment, Sweden is allocating SEK 573 million (€49.83 million) toward maintenance, spare parts, technical support, and additional ammunition. This ensures that the equipment remains functional over the long term, supporting Ukraine’s sustained resistance.
Finally, SEK 140 million (€12.17 million) has been allocated to civil defence support, channeled through Swedish agencies such as the Coast Guard, Civil Contingencies Agency, and the Psychological Defence Agency. These funds support Ukrainian civil operations, resilience, and infrastructure restoration.
Since the beginning of the war, Sweden’s military support has evolved from basic personal protection and anti-tank weapons to comprehensive deliveries of advanced combat systems. Initial aid included 5,000 anti-tank weapons, 5,000 body armors, 5,000 helmets, and 135,000 field rations. As the conflict progressed, Sweden supplied eight Archer artillery systems, 50 CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, and ten Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks, significantly enhancing Ukraine’s mobile and mechanized warfare capabilities.
Sweden also delivered RBS 70 man-portable air-defense systems to counter aerial threats, along with a broad range of small arms, ammunition, and machine guns. Medical transport vehicles and field medical kits were dispatched to strengthen battlefield healthcare, while maritime equipment and satellite communication systems addressed Ukraine’s naval and operational command needs. These diverse contributions reflect Sweden’s long-term commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s defensive sustainability and operational effectiveness on the battlefield.