18 Archer Artillery Units in $985M Swedish Military Aid to Ukraine

Sweden has revealed its 20th package of military aid to Ukraine, worth around SEK 9.2 billion ($985 million), and it prioritizes artillery, naval warfare, and air defense.

It involves the purchase of 18 Archer artillery systems, artillery shells, and long-range UAVs, priced at around SEK 3.6 billion. Further assistance includes SEK 2.1 billion worth of naval materiel, including coastal surveillance radar systems, tross boats equipped with grenade launchers, diving chambers, and crane lorries. Air defence and space capabilities valued at around SEK 3.5 billion are also included, made up of ammunition, sensors, and command and control systems for the previously contributed Tridon anti-aircraft system, as well as air base operating equipment and drone detection equipment.

"Sweden is now boosting its military aid to Ukraine to put more pressure on Russia. Additional Archers, drones, and ammunition will make a difference in the field. Europe's right to freedom and peace must be defended," Defence Minister Pål Jonson said.

The Government observed that whereas previous aid packages depended on contributions from Sweden's own military, recent assistance more often entails purchases of newly produced equipment by Swedish defence industry vendors who are in great demand in Ukraine.

In addition to the present package, Sweden's 2026 Budget Bill offers SEK 40 billion each year in military aid to Ukraine for both 2026 and 2027, in addition to civil aid of SEK 10 billion each year for the same years and SEK 10.5 billion in 2028. These are grounded on a deal between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.

Sweden has stressed that the defence of Ukraine against Russia continues to be at the heart of European security, characterizing the assistance as immediate battlefield assistance and long-term capacity development.