Sweden to Donate Air Defence Systems to Ukraine for Testing in Battle Against Russia

The Swedish government intends to donate RBS 70 and Tridon Mk2 air defence systems worth SEK 1.2 Billion to Ukraine for testing during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

This is the first time these air defense systems (ADS) will be delivered to Ukraine. The upgraded Tridon MK2 was unveiled at Eurosatory 2024 and the RBS 70  NG ManPads has been sold to several countries as a a man-portable and vehicle mounted ADS against a variety of short range threats

“This strengthens Ukraine’s air defence capability and will be a significant addition to Ukraine’s armed forces. It also gives Ukraine the opportunity to test new Swedish defence capabilities on the battlefield,” said Minister for Defence Pal Jonson in an official release.

In cooperation with other international partners, Sweden will also fund procurement of additional air defence systems for donation to Ukraine. The total value of donations is SEK 1.2 billion and is a part of Sweden’s 18th military support package to Ukraine.

The Government will soon authorise the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to procure the latest version of RBS 70 and the recently innovated Tridon Mk2 for donation to Ukraine.

The RBS 70 is produced by Saab and has been used in Sweden and many other countries for almost 50 years. Tridon Mk2 is a new Swedish-produced air defence system produced by BAE Systems Bofors. It is based on a newly developed version of a Bofors 40mm gun that has been used around the world for over 90 years.

The system will be ready for deployment in close combat in Ukraine for the first time, and can be used to combat drones, cruise missiles, aircraft and armoured vehicles.

In addition to these two air defence systems, Sweden will, in collaboration with international partners, donate surface-to-air missiles of a type that Ukraine already uses, as well as man-portable anti-aircraft missiles.