Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
Sweden makes preparations to give Gripens to Ukraine
Sweden has begun funding the potential donation of Gripens to Ukraine. (Photo: Saab Aerospace)
The 17th package provided by Sweden to Ukraine has seen the Scandinavian country provide SEK48.1 billion (US$4.6 billion) in military support since February 2022, having provided a total of SEK25 billion in 2024.
The Swedish Government has committed a further SEK4.6 billion to Ukraine’s defence in a package that includes UAS, anti-aircraft systems and grenade launchers, as well as items for Gripen fighter aircraft.
The support package includes transfers of marine equipment worth approximately SEK500 million. Land equipment such as RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile systems, grenade-launchers and grenades, recoilless rifles with ammunition and small-calibre ammunition will also be included within the package.
Naval equipment within the package will include six more Combatboat (Stridsbåt) 90 (CB90) attack boats and support to maintain existing equipment.
Regarding the Gripens, Sweden’s Ministry of Defence said “transferring JAS Gripen to Ukraine is not a viable option, as it would interfere with the prioritised introduction of F-16 fighters”.
“In parallel, [however], the Swedish Government is continuing its efforts to establish conditions for a possible future support of JAS 39 Gripen fighters [and] acquiring materiel parts for the JAS 39 Gripen worth approximately SEK2.3 billion,” the Ministry said.
“Materiel parts are JAS 39C/D parts that are being reused in the construction of new JAS 39E aircraft. By acquiring new materiel parts, a number of JAS 39C/D will be saved from being dismantled and can – if the Swedish government decides so – be considered for a possible future donation to Ukraine.”
The support package includes approximately SEK700 million in financial donations to funds and other multilateral initiatives during 2024.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
