Sweden is sending more weapons to Ukraine, including the Archer system – EURACTIV.com
Sweden will increase its support to Ukraine by sending high-tech Archer artillery systems, combat vehicles and anti-tank missiles, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced at a press conference on Thursday.
The Swedish government decided to send the tenth military aid package to Ukraine, consisting of 50 combat vehicles, anti-tank missiles and the Archer artillery system. The latter, a highly accurate wheeled artillery system that can be moved and fired quickly, had long been at the top of Kiev’s wish list.
– It is very much needed right now. Ukraine is warning of new large-scale Russian attacks, Kristersson said, adding that military support is crucial because Russia seems to believe that “time is on their side and that it is a war of attrition.”
According to Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson, the military package is worth SEK 4.3 billion (EUR 38.5 million) but does not include the Archer system. The package will be presented to Sweden’s Riksdag “in the near future” in the form of an additional amendment budget.
According to Jonson, it could take “a few months” to get the combat vehicle in place in Ukraine, with some additional time for the Archer system. Ukrainian soldiers will need to be trained for both weapons systems, and transportation and the possibility of maintenance and repairs must be arranged.
The total military aid from Sweden to Ukraine before today’s package has a total value of SEK 5 billion (EUR 44 million), of which the latest, ninth package was valued at SEK 3 billion (EUR 26 million).
Sweden has so far sent anti-aircraft systems, all-terrain vehicles, 15,000 anti-tank rounds, anti-ship missiles as well as protective vests, helmets and winter equipment for, among other things, soldiers.
There is also an international debate on whether to send tanks to Ukraine, especially the German Leopard 2, which the Swedish Armed Forces also have. The topic will be discussed at a meeting at the US military base in Ramstein, Germany, on Friday, which the Swedish defense minister will also attend.
An important question is how much military equipment Sweden can dispose of without risking the country’s defense capabilities, which Kristersson emphasized and mentioned a “delicate balance” to achieve.
On the other side of the aisle, the Social Democrats support continued military aid to Ukraine, but the Riksdag’s defense committee chairman and former defense minister Peter Hultqvist emphasized that it is important to look at the consequences of giving away up to 20 Archer weapons.
According to him, it is a very important change in the planning of military capabilities and he has already requested that the government provide more information to the defense committee on that issue by January 26.
(Charles Szumski | EURACTIV.com)