Sweden, new $1.6 billion maxi military aid to Ukraine

Sweden announced a new military aid package to Ukraine worth SEK 16 billion (about USD 1.6 billion), the largest to date from the Stockholm government. The contribution responds to Ukrainian requests in strategic areas such as air defence, artillery, satellite communications and maritime capabilities.

With this latest measure, Swedish support for Ukrainian defence for 2025 alone rises to SEK 29.5 billion. As of 2022, Sweden has allocated a total of around 80 billion kronor (over $7.5 billion) in military aid.

"We are intensifying support, increasing its scope and strength. The situation in Ukraine is very serious," stated Defence Minister Pål Jonson during a press conference in Stockholm. "Russia has the initiative on the ground, and we must support Ukraine so that it can reverse this trend."

The government also proposed to bring forward part of the funds planned for 2026, bringing next year's total aid to 40 billion kroner. "The message is clear: more countries must do more. It is time for Europe to concretely increase its support for Ukraine," Jonson added.

Procurement and supply: focus on short lead times and industrial capacity

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration will use approximately 9.2 billion kronor from the new package to purchase equipment for donation to Ukraine, taking into account production and delivery times. Priorities include ammunition, air defence systems, satellite communications, armoured vehicles, light combat vessels and infantry equipment.

A further SEK 500 million will be taken directly from the reserves of the Swedish Armed Forces, including machine guns and small-calibre ammunition. In addition, over 5 billion kronor will be channelled through multilateral funds and international coalitions, including an enhanced cooperation with the Ukrainian defence industry.

According to the minister, about 70% of the announced aid will be deliverable as early as 2025.

The Netherlands also increases support

In parallel, the Dutch government announced the launch of a new package 500 million (approximately $541 million) earmarked for a specific programme to develop and supply drones for Ukraine. The initiative is part of a €2bn accelerated support plan for 2025, which will also include air defence systems, ammunition and maritime equipment.

Source: https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/03/31/sweden-pledges-16-billion-in-new-ukraine-aid-including-air-defense/