Sweden approves sending Archer self-propelled howitzers and Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine

On March 23, Sweden's parliament approved the proposal to transfer a new military aid package to Ukraine.

It includes Archer self-propelled howitzers and Leopard 2 tanks, says Eurointegration.ua

The Swedish government can transfer to Ukraine military equipment and ammunition worth a total of 6.2 billion kroner (554 million euros), according to a decision adopted by the parliament.

The batch includes Leopard 2 tanks, Archer self-propelled howitzers and Robot 57 light anti-tank weapons.

"The government justifies its proposal by the fact that the provision of military equipment to Ukraine is in the interests of Sweden," the statement says.

The Swedish government was allowed to decide on the sale of 14 Archer-type artillery howitzers to Great Britain, which had previously transferred its AS90s to Ukraine.

To sponsor this proposal, the allocation to the Swedish Armed Forces will be increased by SEK 730 million during 2023. And for the period until 2028, according to the estimates of the country's government, expenses should be increased by 6.1 billion crowns.

Last week, it became known that the Swedish government decided to transfer eight Archer self-propelled artillery units to Ukraine, as well as ten Leopard 2 tanks.

Spain will send its first batch of six Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine next week.

8 Leopard 2 battle tanks and four auxiliary vehicles arrived in Ukraine from Norway. Crews for these tanks are already undergoing training in Poland.