Sweden and the United States have announced significant military aid packages, focusing on artillery systems and advanced munitions, in a dual effort to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid its ongoing war on Russia.
Sweden’s Artillery Boost
On March 14, 2025, the Swedish government revealed plans to donate an artillery package valued at approximately SEK 3 billion (around USD 290 million) as part of its 18th military assistance package to Ukraine. The package includes 18 Archer self-propelled haubits, manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors, and five Arthur artillery-locating radar systems from Saab.
This follows Sweden’s previous donation of eight Archer units. The Arthur systems, designed to detect and trace enemy artillery fire, aim to improve Ukraine’s counter-battery capabilities. Deliveries will begin in 2025 for the Arthur systems and 2026 for the Archers.
Additionally, Sweden is contributing funds to Ukraine’s defense industry via a Danish-led initiative, potentially supporting the production of 155 mm ammunition or the Ukrainian-made Bohdana artillery system.
The package also aligns with Sweden’s intent to join the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s artillery coalition, enhancing coordination and NATO interoperability. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for artillery, a priority reiterated during recent talks with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov. This move not only aids Ukraine but also boosts Sweden’s defense production capacity.
US Upgrades Long-Range Bombs
Meanwhile, the United States is set to resume shipments of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine within days, according to Reuters, as cited by RT.com. Developed by Boeing and Saab AB, the GLSDB—combining a GBU-39 bomb with an M26 rocket motor—offers a 100-mile (161 km) range.
Initially supplied under the Biden administration, the bombs were sidelined last year due to Russian electronic jamming disrupting their precision guidance. Following upgrades to counter this interference, including reinforced internal connections, Boeing recently test-fired at least 19 GLSDBs to confirm their effectiveness. The US has stockpiled these cost-effective weapons in Europe and is ready to redeploy them to Ukraine.
This development coincides with reports that Ukraine has exhausted its stockpile of US-supplied ATACMS missiles, which boast a 300 km range and were used in strikes on Russian border regions in late 2024. Russia has criticized these long-range attacks, warning that NATO’s involvement escalates the conflict.
In retaliation to earlier ATACMS strikes, Russia deployed its hypersonic Oreshnik missile against a Ukrainian military target in November 2024.
Strategic Implications
Both initiatives underscore Western allies’ commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s military capacity to combat Russia. Sweden’s contribution strengthens Ukraine’s artillery firepower, which is critical for frontline defense, while the US’s upgraded GLSDBs aim to restore precision strike capabilities disrupted by Russian countermeasures.
Sources
- Swedish Government: Sweden reinforces Ukraine’s artillery capability
- RT: US to send upgraded long-range bombs to Ukraine – Reuters
- Reuters: US long-range bombs headed to Ukraine as ATACMS supply dwindles
