Sweden pledges $8 million to Ukraine’s drone, demining efforts

The Swedish government has directed the country’s armed forces to allocate SEK 80 million ($7.2 million) to capability coalitions focused on drones and demining within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), the defence ministry said on March 27.

The funding is part of Sweden’s 18th military aid package for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports per Swedish media.

The Swedish Armed Forces will contribute SEK 40 million ($3.6 million) to the Demining Coalition and an equal amount to the Drone Coalition, the statement said.

“This support ensures that Ukraine can develop its drone technology and mine clearance capabilities. It will help the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian society,” Defence Minister Pål Jonson said.

Note that, the UDCG, established by the United States, is a multinational coalition of 57 countries working to coordinate military aid, defence equipment procurement, and sustainability measures for Ukraine. Member states regularly convene in Ramstein, Germany, at NATO headquarters, or via virtual meetings.

Sweden is currently involved in six defence coalitions within the UDCG framework, which aim to provide long-term military support to Ukraine.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has extended military, humanitarian, and civil assistance to support Ukraine. As of 14 March 2025, Sweden has contributed around SEK 74.7 billion (approximately USD 7.35 billion*) to various initiatives aiding Ukraine.

Alongside the European Union, Sweden has also implemented macroeconomic support measures and introduced multiple sanctions packages against Russia.

By Aghakazim Guliyev