Sweden announced an additional $1.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine, hoping to boost the country’s air defense, artillery and satellite capabilities.

Monday’s military aid package is the largest provided by Sweden this year. The Nordic country has already spent around 30 billion Kroner on Ukrainian military aid this year, with plans to spend around 40 billion.

Sweden has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies in Scandinavia, providing more than 80 billion kroner worth of military aid since 2022.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said that the new aid package comes at a crucial time for Ukraine.

“Russia has the initiative in the war, and we need to support Ukraine to break that trend right now,” Mr. Jonson said at a press briefing Monday. “Today’s message again is that more people have to do more. Now it is a time for all European countries to really increase support for Ukraine.”

Most of the funds from the new deal will go toward purchasing equipment for donation. Sweden’s Defense Material Administration said it will work with foreign and domestic defense partners to produce artillery pieces, ammunition, armored vehicles, air defense systems, infantry equipment and satellite communication systems.

The administration added that there are systems in place to deliver the new equipment quickly, aiming to send at least 70% of new arms to Ukraine by the end of 2025.

Sweden’s new aid package follows the announcement of a $541 million drone finance program from the Netherlands intended to support Ukraine’s domestic drone production. The Dutch deal also provided ammunition and other military equipment. 

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.