Sweden has provided SEK 500 million in artillery ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ann Linde announced via Twitter. This is the military assistance part of the one-billion crowns (approx. USD 100 million) two-part support package.
Despite Ukraine’s pleads, Sweden has postponed the final decision whether to provide the Archer self-propelled artillery systems and RBS-70 air defense systems just yet.
Read more: Ukraine to Get More Swedish Weaponry – Would it be Archer Artillery Systems, RBS 70 MANPADS and More
"This is not last package," Ann Linde stressed. "Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Armed Forces will evaluate the possibility to provide Swedish artillery Archer, air-defense RBS70 and more."
"Archer" is an advanced artillery system manufactured by BAE Systems Bofors and used by the Swedish Army. Its key features are fast deployment and a high level of automation of the firing process. The 155mm gun can fire up to 30 km and is capable of firing GPS-guided Excalibur munitions, extending its range to 50 km.
"The ARCHER’s integrated systems enables smart munitions like Excalibur to be automatically programmed by the system’s operators with just a few clicks from the safety of the cabin," BAE Systems claims.
RBS-70 requested by Ukraine as well is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. It has an effective range of 9 km at altitudes up to 5 km, firing a high-velocity missile with a maximum speed of Mach 2.
Read more: How Many 155mm Shells the US Has Transferred to Ukraine And Do They Have Problems With Them
