Sweden Funds Six Technologies Against Hypersonic Missiles, Glide Bombs & UAVs for Use in Ukraine

Sweden is advancing six new defence technologies aimed at countering hypersonic missiles, glide bombs and unmanned aerial vehicles for Ukraine, after doubling its innovation funding initiative to SEK 300 million ($32 million).

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) was initially allocated SEK 150 million ($16 million) under Sweden’s 19th military support package to Ukraine to run an innovation challenge. The initiative drew over 100 applications from companies, prompting the Government to expand funding under support package 20.

“We must strengthen Ukrainian and Swedish defences against threats such as drones. Sweden’s technology base and Ukrainian combat experience are a powerful combination that will strengthen Ukraine’s defence against Russia,” said Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.

It was organized as a procurement process, with experts from Sweden and Ukraine evaluating proposals. In June, 21 companies rolled out their ideas before a committee comprising representatives of FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, and Ukrainian officials. Twelve companies received funding for development, and up to six will now move forward to full-scale production.

The systems under development propose complete or partial solutions to neutralize threats from aerial vehicles, including long-range fixed-wing drones, patrol missiles, glide bombs, and hypersonic weapons.

According to the Swedish Government, the technologies will move from prototype to serial production for delivery to Ukraine in the coming phase.