Recently, Ukraine and Sweden reached an agreement to establish joint production of defense equipment in both countries. The arrangement was formalized through a letter of intent signed by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Sweden’s Defense Minister Pål Jonson, who visited Ukraine earlier this month. During the meeting, Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the Swedish government for its continued support, including joining the PURL initiative, allocating $486 million together with Norway and Denmark, and transferring Saab ASC 890 aircraft (more details about these aircraft can be found here). This appears to be the first official confirmation that Ukraine has received Swedish early warning and control aircraft.
“The document updates our joint efforts in this area, sets the foundation for joint defense industry projects, and ensures stable, reciprocal cooperation between our countries,” said Denys Shmyhal. He added that Ukraine and Sweden plan to expand technology and expertise exchange in the production of weapons and military equipment. According to him, this will strengthen the resilience and independence of both nations’ defense industries.
Another key topic was cooperation in military aviation, including pilot training and joint projects involving Swedish and Ukrainian companies. In this context, Shmyhal once again thanked the Swedish government for supplying Saab ASC 890 airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The first reports about the transfer of this aircraft appeared in May 2024, when the Swedish government announced what it described as a “complete package.” This included training, technical equipment, and methodological support for conducting radar reconnaissance and managing air combat operations. With the Saab ASC 890 now in service, Ukraine is expected to gain improved situational awareness and better coordination of its air defense systems. The aircraft’s data will support both aerial reconnaissance and command over operations against air and naval targets. Earlier, there had been speculation about possible delays in the transfer. However, Sweden’s Ministry of Defense stated in the spring of 2024 that the process was proceeding according to schedule.
Earlier today, Denys Shmyhal met with Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and members of the Danish parliament who visited Ukraine for Independence Day. The discussion focused on strengthening industrial cooperation with Denmark. “We will soon launch a major project under the President’s Build with Ukraine initiative,” Shmyhal said. “This will allow Ukrainian weapons production to scale up on Danish soil and provide more effective support to our armed forces.”
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Source: mod
