Stockholm: Sweden announced a new military aid package worth SEK 3 billion ($294 million) to enhance Ukraine's artillery capabilities. The package comprises 18 Archer mobile artillery systems, five Arthur counter-battery radar systems, and financial support for Ukraine's defense industry, according to a statement from the Swedish Defense Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson highlighted Ukraine's urgent need for artillery and artillery ammunition, a priority since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion. Minister Jonson noted that Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized this necessity during their meeting last weekend.

The Archer artillery systems, manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors, will supplement the eight units Sweden has already supplied to Ukraine. The Arthur counter-battery radar systems, developed by Saab, will assist Ukraine in detecting and targeting enemy artillery positions. Previously, Sweden and the UK have supplied these radar systems to Ukraine.

The aid package also includes financial contributions through a Danish-led initiative, potentially for producing 155mm ammunition or Bohdana artillery systems. Furthermore, Sweden has announced its intention to join the Artillery Coalition within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which aims to coordinate artillery support and enhance NATO interoperability.

Deliveries of the Arthur radar systems are scheduled to start in 2025, with the Archer artillery units to follow in 2026.