On Friday 22 November, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson received his Ukrainian colleague Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov at Karlberg Palace. At the Palace, Mr Jonson presented plans for a new Swedish financial contribution to the Ukrainian defence industry with a focus on the mass production of long-range missiles and long-range drones.
A bilateral meeting was held at Karlberg Palace, as were meetings with the Swedish defence industry that focused on possibilities for cooperation with Ukraine. A press conference was also held where plans for a upcoming Swedish support package were presented. Subject to a forthcoming parliament decision, the future support package may consist of significant financial contributions to the Ukrainian defence industry for the mass production of products such as long-range missiles and long-range drones, which will then be donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Rumstem Umerov and Pål Jonson at the press conference – Niklas Forsström/Regeringskansliet
This contribution may also be included in the upcoming 18th support package that the Government is planning to present early next year. Enhanced international cooperation with allies and partners may also be included in the next package, with the aim of further strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities as regards long-range missiles and long-range drones.
The 18th package will be financed within the framework of the three-year support package totalling SEK 25 billion per year between 2024 and 2026 for military support to Ukraine.
Top Photo: Ukrainian Minister for Defence Rustem Umerov and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson – Niklas Forsström/Regeringkansliet
Source: Ministry of Defence, Sweden