Stockholm has announced that it intends to raise a further $3.38 billion (SEK 31.5 billion) for Ukraine’s defense in 2026, while also officially extending support until 2027.

Just a few hours after Russian drones violated Polish airspace and forced NATO to scramble F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets, Sweden announced its latest military aid package to Ukraine.  

Worth almost $1 billion, the package includes ground, naval, and air weapon systems. 

Sweden Is Sending New Cannons to Ukraine

Worth approximately $836 million, the military aid package includes a plethora of weapon systems and logistics support to the Ukrainian military.  

Stockholm committed the following weapon systems to Ukraine.  

In the ground category, Stockholm is sending 18 Archer 15mm self-propelled artillery guns and 155mm ammunition. In total, it has committed 44 Archers to Ukraine, which are greatly valued by Ukrainian troops for their mobility and firepower. 

In the air category, Sweden is committing ammunition, sensors, and command and control systems for the previously donated Swedish anti-aircraft system Tridon Mk 2, equipment for air base operations, sensors to track down unmanned aerial systems and robot systems, and long-range unmanned aerial systems. In the naval category, it is sending coastal surveillance radar systems, Tross small boats equipped with grenade launchers, diving chambers, and crane lorries.  

The latest military package will also include civil defence initiatives and services through the Swedish Defence Research Agency and Swedish Defence University. 

“Sweden is now increasing its military support to Ukraine to put greater pressure on Russia. More Archers, drones, and ammunition will make a difference on the battlefield. Europe’s right to peace and freedom must be defended,” Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said in a press statement.  

The Swedish government has proposed an increased military aid package for Ukraine over the next few years. Stockholm has announced that it intends to raise a further $3.38 billion (SEK 31.5 billion) for Ukraine’s defense in 2026, while also officially extending support until 2027. If the additional funds are cleared, Sweden will commit a total of $8.6 billion to Kyiv over 2026 and 2027.  

“Sweden’s support to Ukraine is unwavering. No issue is as central to Europe’s security as Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s aggression,” the Swedish government stated. 

Why Is Sweden Helping Ukraine Now?

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, approximately 19 Russian unmanned aerial systems entered Polish airspace. NATO scrambled F-35 fighter jets and other air defense systems, shooting down at least four Russian drones. This was the first time since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, that a NATO country’s military had a direct military engagement with Russian forces.  

Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine had a dramatic impact in Sweden, which has remained militarily neutral since the days of Napoleon and did not choose a side during the Cold War. The Russian invasion was near-universally condemned in Sweden, and fears of future Russian aggression led the Swedish government to abandon its neutral stance and join NATO alongside neighboring Finland.

In that regard, the Kremlin’s decision to launch the “special military operation” helped to strengthen NATO and unite it against Russia, backfiring on Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s intent. Indeed, Sweden’s latest military package to Ukraine highlights the country’s desire to support the Ukrainian defense and counter Russia’s aggression.