Sweden Approves $1.42B Package to Bolster Ukraine Air Defenses Including Tridon Mk2

Sweden Announces $1.42 Billion Military Aid Package

Sweden has approved a new military assistance package for Ukraine valued at 12.9 billion Swedish crowns (approximately $1.42 billion), with a primary focus on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. The Swedish Defense Ministry confirmed the package on Feb. 19, describing advanced short-range air defense as its largest single component.

According to the ministry, the air defense capability will feature a modular design integrating gun and missile systems, interceptors, electronic warfare assets, active and passive sensors, and command-and-control systems. While the government did not formally name the system included, recent Swedish statements have referenced the Tridon air defense platform developed by BAE Systems Bofors.

Tridon Mk2 System Overview

The Tridon Mk2 is a self-propelled, remotely operated 40 mm anti-aircraft artillery system designed for ground-based air defense. Introduced in 2022, the system is intended to address gaps between high-cost missile defenses by providing a rapid-response, lower-cost alternative capable of countering a broad spectrum of threats.

Manufacturer specifications indicate the Tridon Mk2 can engage drones, cruise missiles, fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, and certain ground targets, including armored vehicles. Its effective range can reach up to 12 kilometers, depending on ammunition type, sensor configuration, terrain, and target profile.

The platform draws on nearly 90 years of Bofors anti-aircraft development experience. It is designed for mobility, ease of deployment, and simplified maintenance. Its modular architecture allows integration with evolving technologies and adaptation to changing operational requirements.

Addressing Ukraine’s Air Defense Shortfalls

Ukraine has faced persistent air defense challenges amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. Yurii Ihnat, head of communications for Ukraine’s Air Force, stated earlier in February that shortages of air defense missiles have at times left certain systems without available interceptors.

Russia has intensified strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure during the winter months, targeting power generation and distribution facilities. These attacks have heightened the need for layered air defense systems capable of countering both traditional aerial threats and the growing use of unmanned systems.

Systems such as the Tridon Mk2 are designed to complement higher-tier missile defenses by providing coverage against drones and low-flying threats, helping preserve more expensive interceptor stocks.

Additional Equipment and Cooperation

Beyond air defense systems, Sweden’s aid package includes procurement of long-range artillery ammunition, various types of 40 mm air defense rounds, and 12 cm grenade launcher ammunition. The package also expands an existing bilateral cooperation project focused on long-range drone capabilities.

Sweden has been a consistent contributor of military assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The latest package reflects continued European efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s defensive capacity, particularly in countering aerial attacks on both military assets and critical civilian infrastructure.