The Ukrainian experience of using Swedish weapons on the front lines against Russian invaders is helping Sweden adapt its arms to the modern conditions of warfare.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson shared this in an interview with the Lithuanian broadcaster LRT.
The Minister was asked what feedback Sweden has received about the weapons supplied to Ukraine and what lessons have been learned from it.
“A great deal. We have sent various types of weapons to Ukraine, and Ukrainians are very generous (with feedback – ed.), so we can receive reports on how our combat boats, combat vehicles, Archer howitzers, and other weapons perform. This allows us to test them in combat conditions and adapt them better,” Jonson said.
According to him, the way Swedish weapons are performing in Ukraine – and the way Sweden is providing support – has become an inspiring example.
“I always say that helping Ukraine is both the right and the wise thing to do – it is truly an investment in our own security, because right now Ukraine is the shield against Russian military expansion, and Putin will not stop unless he is stopped. And at this moment, our Ukrainian friends are the ones doing that,” Jonson added.
Today, Ukrainian forces are using Swedish Archer artillery systems, CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, CB90 combat boats, and a range of other weaponry.
In particular, the Naval Forces of Ukraine recently received a batch of Combat Boat 90 (CB90) assault craft from Sweden and Norway.
The boats are designed to perform a wide range of tasks – from landing personnel and defending the coastline to patrolling and protecting civilian shipping.
Ukraine and Sweden have also reached agreements on localizing the production of Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets on Ukrainian territory. Production of the aircraft is expected to be significantly localized starting in 2033.
In addition, Sweden has financed the purchase of 400 long-range strike drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
The two countries have also signed a Letter of Intent, which opens new opportunities to attract Swedish investments and technologies to the development of Ukraine’s defense industry and provides momentum for the creation of new forms of cooperation.
