Sweden’s 20th military aid package to Ukraine includes a wide range of equipment, most notably a significant additional order of the Archer self-propelled howitzers. However, one item in the maritime section of the list has raised eyebrows: something translated literally as boats or ferries with ropes equipped with grenade launchers.
The Swedish term is "trossfärjor utrustade med granatkastare", which in official English translations appears as "tross boats equipped with grenade launchers". At first glance, this wording can be confusing. The phrase does not refer to ordinary ferries or cargo vessels, but rather to multipurpose landing or logistic boats used by the Swedish Navy.
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In Sweden, there is a distinct class called Trossbåt (singular: trossfärja), which has been in service for decades. These boats are designed primarily for transporting troops, vehicles, ammunition, and other supplies, but they can also be fitted with defensive and offensive weaponry. On occasion, individual vessels such as HMS Loke are referred to as trossfärja.
The armament of these boats can vary. Standard weapons include heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers like the Mk 19. In some configurations, more powerful systems can be installed, such as containerized NEMO automatic mortar, which effectively transforms the vessel into a combat-ready platform while retaining its logistical role.
The key feature of these tross boats is their versatility. While their main function is logistical, delivering troops, equipment, or ammunition, they can be rapidly converted into fully armed units, providing both fire support and defensive capabilities during riverine or coastal operations. This flexibility has made them a valuable component of Sweden's naval strategy.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Sweden has included boats in aid packages for Ukraine. Earlier shipments contained the CB90 assault craft, fast and heavily armed vessels designed for rapid troop transport and close-combat operations in littoral zones.
By including tross boats in its 20th package, Sweden appears to be providing Ukraine not only with artillery and air-defense capabilities but also with flexible naval assets that can operate in rivers, ports, and coastal areas. These boats could be used to improve mobility, reinforce defensive positions, and provide fire support where larger ships cannot operate.
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