Sweden will transfer Tridon Mk2 air defense systems to Ukraine to strengthen its defenses against Shahed-type strike drones and other aerial threats, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense reports.
The €400 million allocated for the purchase represents nearly a third of Sweden's broader €1.2 billion military aid package for Ukraine, announced in February. That package also includes radars, drones, and electronic warfare systems, according to the ministry.
What Tridon Mk2 is
First unveiled in 2024, the Tridon Mk2 is a mobile, medium-range air defense system capable of operating in all weather conditions, day and night. The system is built around a Bofors 40 Mk4 40mm automatic cannon with a range of up to 12 kilometers and a rate of fire of up to 300 rounds per minute — adjustable to 200 rounds per minute to conserve ammunition or adapt to specific combat tasks.
Its ammunition uses programmable fuzes that detonate immediately before reaching the target, scattering a cloud of fragments — a feature the ministry said increases effectiveness against drones and cruise missiles.
The platform is vehicle-agnostic: Tridon Mk2 can be mounted on BvS 10 tracked armored all-terrain vehicles or Scania trucks, with electric drives enabling integration across different chassis.
Why it matters
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said the systems "will help strengthen the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense in countering strike UAVs, in particular Shaheds, as well as other aerial targets."
One cited advantage is the relatively low cost per shot compared to missile-based interceptors — a significant operational consideration given the high volume of Shahed drone attacks Ukraine faces.
