Sweden Procures Truck-Mounted Anti-Drone Artillery for Ukraine in Major Defense Deal

Sweden has finalized a significant defense agreement to supply Ukraine with advanced mobile air defense systems, designed to counter the increasing threat posed by drones. The contract centers on the acquisition of the Tridon Mk2, a truck-mounted anti-aircraft artillery system developed by British-owned BAE Systems and primarily manufactured by Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden.

The Swedish Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Denmark, has coordinated the procurement, with Sweden contributing 2.1 billion SEK and Denmark adding approximately 300 million Danish kroner, nearly half a billion SEK. These combined funds will support the delivery of a complete air defense package to Ukraine.

The Tridon Mk2 system features a 40-millimeter cannon, historically used on naval vessels, now adapted for ground-based anti-aircraft operations. This artillery is equipped with Saab's Giraffe 1X radar, advanced ammunition, and integrated command and control systems to enhance its effectiveness against modern aerial threats. The primary mission of these systems is to safeguard critical Ukrainian infrastructure, such as power plants and electrical substations, from drone attacks and other airborne threats.

For operational security reasons, the total number of units to be delivered to Ukraine remains undisclosed. However, officials have indicated that the quantity will be sufficient to equip an entire battalion, providing enhanced protection at strategic locations across the country.

The Tridon Mk2 stands out for its use of programmable 3P ammunition, which can be configured for six different operational modes depending on the target. This adaptability enables the system to engage a variety of aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and even cruise missiles, although its range is optimized for medium to low altitude targets.

Deliveries of the newly ordered systems are expected to commence shortly, with the aim of completing the supply within a year. The knowledge and operational insights gained from Ukraine's deployment of the Tridon Mk2 may influence future procurement decisions for Sweden's own national defense. The Swedish government has already announced plans to invest heavily in air defense capabilities, allocating up to 15 billion SEK for future acquisitions. The Tridon Mk2, or a similar system, is under consideration as a core component of these upgrades.

In addition to the air defense procurement, discussions between Swedish and Danish defense officials at a maritime warfare conference in Gothenburg also touched upon multinational military exercises in the Arctic. Denmark expressed intentions for the Arctic Endurance exercise on Greenland to evolve into a NATO-led operation, potentially involving the United States and being rebranded as Arctic Sentry. Both Swedish and Danish defense ministers emphasized the importance of enhanced NATO engagement to ensure the security of the Arctic region.

This substantial air defense collaboration between Sweden, Denmark, and Ukraine underscores the growing international effort to strengthen Ukrainian defenses against the evolving technological threats in modern warfare, particularly the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles.