Sweden and Denmark purchase air defence systems for Ukraine
Sweden and Denmark are strengthening Ukraine’s air defence through a joint purchase of modern Tridon Mk 2 air defence guns. Deliveries are scheduled to begin within a year, and the initiative is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to protect itself against drones, missiles and air attacks.
Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson and Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen presented the joint initiative on Monday. Under the arrangement, Tridon Mk 2 systems will be donated to Ukraine. The cooperation also opens the door for other countries to co-finance Swedish-produced defence materiel, which according to the two governments could increase production volumes, reduce costs and strengthen European security of supply.
“From today, Sweden and Denmark’s donation of Tridon systems to Ukraine is of great significance. A joint procurement to support Ukraine not only helps the country on the battlefield with additional materiel, but also strengthens Swedish, Nordic and European security of supply,” says Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
Denmark in particular highlights the urgent need to reinforce Ukraine’s air defence during the winter, as Russian air attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure and affected the country’s energy supply.
“With this donation, Denmark is helping to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capability in the middle of a winter during which Russian air attacks on civilian infrastructure are affecting the country’s energy supply. Continued massive military support for Ukraine is therefore crucial in order to give the country the strength to resist and continue its fight for freedom,” says Danish Minister of Defence Troels Lund Poulsen.
The Tridon Mk 2 is a new, Swedish-produced mobile air defence system manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors. It is based on a modernised version of the Bofors 40 mm gun, a system that has been used worldwide for more than 90 years, combined with other proven subsystems. The system is mounted on a Scania all-terrain truck but can also be deployed on other platforms, such as tracked vehicles. It is designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and attack aircraft, and can also be used for close-range protection against ground threats.
The Tridon systems procured for donation to Ukraine are equipped with command-and-control systems and Saab Giraffe 1X sensors. The deliveries also include spare parts and large quantities of ammunition, including advanced programmable 3P ammunition.
Sweden has financed Tridon systems with a total value of SEK 2.1 billion within the framework of military support packages 18, 19 and 20. Denmark has decided to expand the procurement with additional Tridon guns and supplementary equipment worth approximately SEK 480 million, corresponding to equipment for an air defence battalion.
According to the Ministry of Defence, deliveries to Ukraine will begin within twelve months. Sweden has also prepared to rapidly place additional orders for Tridon systems should other countries decide to join the initiative.
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