19 January, 2023
Sweden to Provide Ukraine With Heavy Advanced Weapons, Including Archer
Quick Comment - insights from SCEEUS's experts on breaking news and hot topics
Today, the Swedish Government presented the anticipated new three-part military support package for Ukraine, including the Artillery system Archer. Our experts break down what’s to come.
LtCol Johan Huovinen, Swedish Defence University:
The 10th military support package for Ukraine has just been announced by the Swedish Government. The support package value (approx. 400 million EUR) is so far the largest provided by Sweden and consists of three parts:
The first part consists of further cooperation of defense procurement, which will strengthen Ukraine’s possibility to purchase high quality military equipment in the future.
The second part consists of 50 combat vehicles CV 90 and additional anti-tank weapons including NLAW. The support of 50 CV 90 also includes logistical support, maintenance and training which will be given together with partners. All CV 90 vehicles also come with an advanced C2-system.
The third part of the support package includes the artillery system Archer. The exact number of artillery pieces is classified. The Swedish Armed Forces is tasked to start preparations for the delivery, including handling and training.
Fredrik Wesslau, SCEEUS:
Today’s announcement by the Swedish government of a new military support package for Ukraine that includes Archer artillery systems and CV90 combat vehicles is clearly a step in the right direction. Sweden now joins a vanguard of states providing Ukraine with the weapon systems it needs to retake its territory and push back at a possible renewed spring offensive by Russia.
The war is reaching a critical inflection point. Western weapons will be decisive in determining whether Ukraine can defend itself and push out Russian forces. This is why it is crucial for Sweden and others to not hold back when it comes to providing Ukraine with the weapons it needs. This also includes the Leopard 2 tanks.
Too often, Ukraine’s partners have provided just enough for Ukraine to survive rather than what it takes for Ukraine to win.
Johan Engvall and Anna Lundbladh, SCEEUS:
Sending the Archer artillery system to Ukraine is something that Ukraine has eagerly awaited. It is a signal of strong Swedish support, and Sweden now joins a vanguard of states providing Ukraine with the weapon systems it needs to retake its territory and push back at a possible renewed spring offensive by Russia. The question is whether Sweden will express the same interest as Poland and Finland in sending Leopard 2 tanks as a next step.
Today, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Defence of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov issued a joint statement on the urgency of strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, appealing to all countries that have Leopard 2 tanks in service to join the initiative on establishment of an international tank coalition in support of Ukraine and make their practical contributions to this cause.
Next step for these 13 countries, including Sweden, should be to join such an initiative. This would signal a true mindset shift towards helping Ukraine win the war.
The 2023 EU Enlargement Package: Implications for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia