Sweden prepares record $743.8 million military aid package for Ukraine
A report from "The Kyiv Independent," citing Swedish newspaper "Dagens Nyheter," states that this aid package, the 15th of its kind, will be revealed at a press conference on Tuesday. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Defense Minister Pal Jonson will make the announcement.
6:04 AM EST, February 20, 2024
The value of the military aid package is projected to reach 7.1 billion Swedish Krona (approximately $743.8 million). This tranche is expected to contain equipment from the reserves of the Swedish Armed Forces. Moreover, extra funds will be allocated to replace weaponry that Sweden has previously dispatched to Ukraine.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Sweden's defense aid to Kyiv has already totaled 22.2 billion Swedish Krona (approximately $2.32 billion). Among other things, Stockholm has transferred the Archer self-propelled artillery systems, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, and the Swedish version of the Leopard 2 tanks: the Strv 122, according to a Ukrainian portal.
Kyiv has expressed interest in the Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters manufactured in Sweden. Defense Minister Pal Jonson mentioned in an interview with "The Kyiv Independent" last week that once Sweden becomes a NATO member, it would be open to supplying modern jet fighters to Ukraine.
Source: The Kyiv Independent
