Sweden to send 18 Archer artillery systems, 5 Arthur radars to Ukraine In Latest $295 Million Aid

Sweden will purchase 18 Archer self-propelled artillery systems and five Arthur counter-battery radars for Ukraine as part of an 18th military assistance package valued at SEK 3 billion (approximately $295 million).

In addition to the new equipment, Sweden will invest in Ukraine's domestic defence production, focusing on the manufacturing of Bohdana self-propelled artillery systems, Caliber.Az reports, referencing foreign media.

The Swedish government also revealed plans to join the artillery coalition within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, commonly known as the Ramstein Group.

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson stressed the urgency of artillery supplies for Ukraine, citing the critical need for artillery and ammunition since Russia’s full-scale invasion. "Ukraine is in urgent need of artillery and artillery ammunition. This has been a priority for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion," Jonson said, referencing his recent meeting with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov.

The newly announced systems will be delivered to Ukraine in phases, with Arthur radars expected to arrive in 2025 and Archer artillery systems in 2026. This package follows previous military assistance, which included the delivery of eight Archer systems and one Arthur radar in collaboration with the UK.

Sweden’s 18th aid package, announced in late January, is part of a broader commitment to Ukraine, amounting to SEK 13.5 billion (about $1.25 billion). This marks the largest military aid contribution from Sweden since the onset of Russia's invasion.

Furthermore, Sweden has committed to allocate SEK 75 billion (around $7 billion) for Ukraine's defence over the period from 2024 to 2026.

By Aghakazim Guliyev