Sweden and Denmark have agreed to jointly purchase new air defense systems for Ukraine, aiming to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure against Russian air attacks.
The joint purchase comes as Russia continues to intensify missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure, particularly power and heating facilities. By supplying short-range air defense systems, Sweden and Denmark aim to help Ukraine defend critical sites and reduce the impact of sustained air attacks on civilian life.
$292 million for short-range air defense
The two countries will spend a combined 2.6 billion Swedish kronor (about $292 million USD) on the order, Swedish public broadcaster SVT reported.
The purchase covers the Tridon Mk2 short-range air defense system developed by BAE Systems. The systems are intended to counter drones and other low-flying threats targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said the system fits Ukraine’s immediate needs as Russia continues large-scale air attacks across the country.
“Tridon is a modern concept that meets Ukraine’s needs, but also Sweden’s air defense requirements,” Jonson said at a joint press conference with Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
Under the agreement, Sweden will contribute 2.1 billion kronor (about $236 million USD), while Denmark will provide 500 million kronor (about $56 million USD).
System targets drones, cruise missiles, helicopters
Jonson said the system can intercept drones, cruise missiles, and helicopters, adding that this capability is especially important as Russia intensifies long-range strikes across Ukraine.
Russian forces have ramped up winter attacks on Ukraine’s power and heating infrastructure, increasing pressure on air defenses as temperatures drop and civilian demand rises.
Delivery expected within months
The Tridon Mk2 units are already in production and are expected to be delivered to Ukraine within months of the order. The package is expected to cover equipment for an air defense battalion, involving up to 1,000 personnel.
The systems will be delivered directly to Ukraine once completed, according to Swedish officials.
