Sweden approves $24.6 million in military aid to Ukraine

The Swedish government has decided to provide Ukraine with a 12th package of assistance.

The amount of 140,000 million kroner ($15 million) will be transferred to the British International Fund for Ukraine, the funds of which are used to buy military hardware and equipment for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to a press release issued by the government office on June 16, TASS reported.

Among other things, the fund plans to purchase long-range missiles for their subsequent donation to the Ukrainian army.

In addition, the Swedish government has allocated 90 million kroner ($9.6 million) to the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Fund for Ukraine, which is used to supply military equipment, fuel, medical equipment, and military training facilities, and to strengthen and modernize structures related to the country's defence and security.

The Swedish Ministry of Defence has been tasked with providing Ukrainian pilots and associated technicians with a training course on a JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet. Prior to this, the AFU expressed a desire to be given the opportunity for an operational evaluation of the aircraft because, as noted in a press release, "one of the most urgent measures now is to strengthen the Ukrainian air defence with modern combat aviation systems".

The Ministry of Defence intends to develop a long-term programme to supply military systems such as the RBS 70 missile system, Stridsfordon 90 infantry fighting vehicles, Stridsvagn 122 main battle tank, and Archer artillery systems. The supply chain will be the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Equipment Administration, and Swedish industry, it said.