Sweden to send «record» aid package to Ukraine

The Swedish government is moving ahead with the creation of what it calls a «winter package» of military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

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As reported by Stockholm, this is the largest assistance package sent to Ukraine to date and includes military and humanitarian aid and support for the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure. In fact, this military support package will be larger than the previous eight military materiel support packages combined.

«“We are now sending a record support package to Ukraine, with both humanitarian and military support. The defence of Ukraine’s freedom is the most crucial foreign policy task of our time,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

See also: Two missiles hit Poland, a NATO member: What We Know

The content of the planned military support package totals about SEK 3 billion (just over USD 285 million). This is SEK 1 billion more than the sum of all previous military support packages (about SEK 2 billion).

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Although the Swedish government did not provide detailed information on the weapons systems to be delivered to Ukraine, it did clarify that they would include an advanced air defense weapons system, its ammunition and “also advanced ammunition for additional air defence systems, light all-terrain vehicles, personal equipment including winter equipment and body protection, gun laying equipment, tents and camouflage netting.”.

Swedish Air Defense Systems

RBS 23 BAMSE

As for the advanced system mentioned above, it could be the BAMSE (for Bofors Advanced Missile System Evaluation), which is a medium-range anti-aircraft system developed in the mid-1990s by the companies Boforos and Ericsson (both now part of the SAAB holding company).

The RBS 23 BAMSE is tasked with protecting military installations, ground forces and high-value infrastructure. It is designed to intercept very small and fast targets, such as attack missiles, anti-radiation missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft and helicopters. The system offers area protection of more than 1,500 km², an altitude coverage of 15,000 m and a range of up to 20 km.

Like most Swedish weapon systems, the RBS 23 was intended for rapid deployment, being able to enter battery in 10 minutes and rearm in 4 minutes; and to require little maintenance and support personnel.

RBS 70NG

The Swedish RBS 70 short-range air defense systems, whose original design dates back to the late 1970s, is today, in its NG variant, one of the most high-end anti-aircraft equipment in its category.

Sweden could send the RBS 70NG to Ukraine in two versions. One is designed to be manned by a unit of three foot soldiers. The firing position can be set up in 45 seconds (and reloaded in 5), allowing it to quickly cover enemy aviation approach avenues or establish ambush zones.

In its mobile MSHORAD version, the RBS 70NG is transformed into a mobile short-range air defense system. The system consists of the Mobile Radar Unit, based on the Giraffe 1X radar, and the Mobile Firing Unit, based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected to Saab’s GBAD C2 (Ground Based Air Defense Command and Control System).

For both cases the missile used is the Bolide, which has an effective range of 9,000 meters, being able to reach aerial targets up to 5,000 meters high.

The incorporation of these weapon systems would help Ukraine to cope with the waves of Russian missiles and suicide drones, which are devastating the country’s electrical infrastructure.