Sweden and Ireland have announced the donation of air defense systems to Ukraine amid uncertainty over the US’ continued military support.
The Swedish defense package includes RBS 70 NG and Tridon Mk2 air defense systems worth 1.2 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $113 million).
“Today, Sweden can announce new air defence systems worth 1,2 billion SEK coming to Ukraine through package 18,” Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson announced on X.
“It includes among other things the new Swedish anti-air system TRIDON Mk2. It can help Ukraine defend against drones, cruise missiles, aircrafts and armoured vehicles.”
The RBS 70, or Robot 70, is a man-portable air defense system by Saab Bofors Dynamics.
It has a range of up to 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet).
The Tridon Mk2, meanwhile, is a mobile air-defense system based on the Bofors 40-millimeter gun.
It can be mounted on a range of platforms and has an effective range of 12 kilometers (7.4 miles).
Sweden last month announced its biggest defense support package of 13.5 billion kronor (around $1.2 billion) for Ukraine.
A total of 5.9 billion kronor ($536 million) in equipment will be procured from Swedish and foreign industries while 3.3 billion kronor ($300 million) worth of systems will come from the Swedish military.
Irish Air Defense Donation
Meanwhile, Ireland reportedly announced it would donate a substantial part of its aging air defense systems to Ukraine.
It includes the Giraffe Mark IV radar system, according to The Irish Times.
“In terms of the Giraffe system, we are waiting on arrangements with the Ukrainian armed forces in relation to their acceptance of the systems and the provision of training,” the outlet wrote, citing the Irish Department of Defence.
A total of seven Giraffes are in service with the Irish Armed Forces. It has not yet been decided whether all the systems would be transferred.
According to The Irish Times, at least three systems are likely to be donated.
The announcement is part of Dublin’s commitment to provide Ukraine with non-lethal military support.
Replacement plans for the Saab system are underway as their transfer is likely to dent the country’s fragile air defenses.
