Sweden and Denmark bolster Ukrainian air defence with modern anti-aircraft systems

“The fact that Sweden and, as of today, Denmark are donating TRIDON systems to Ukraine is significant. A joint procurement to support Ukraine not only helps Ukraine with more materiel on the battlefield, but will also strengthen the Swedish, Nordic and European security of supply,” says Mr Jonson.

“With the donation, Denmark is helping to bolster Ukraine’s air defence capacity in the middle of a winter in which Russian air strikes against civilian infrastructure are affecting the country’s energy supply. For this reason, continued large-scale military assistance to Ukraine is crucial to give the country the strength to resist and continue its fight for freedom,” says Mr Lund Poulsen.

TRIDON Mk2 is a new Swedish-made mobile anti-aircraft artillery system produced by BAE Systems Bofors. It features a newly developed version of the Bofors 40 mm gun that has been used globally for over 90 years and on other established systems. The carrier vehicle is an off-road truck from Scania, but the system itself can be used with other platforms, such as tracked vehicles.

The TRIDON system is designed to combat drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and strike aircraft, but can also be used for close protection against threats on land. 

The TRIDON system that is being procured for donation to Ukraine is upgraded with command-and-control systems and Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar system. The systems also include spare parts and large amounts of ammunition, including advanced pre-fragmented, programmable, proximity-fused (3P) ammunition. 

Within the framework of the Swedish Military’s 18th, 19th and 20th support packages, Sweden has financed TRIDON systems with a total value of SEK 2.1 billion. Denmark has decided to expand procurement with additional TRIDON guns and various equipment upgrades at a value of SEK 480 million. This corresponds to equipment for an anti-aircraft battalion.

Delivery of the systems to Ukraine will start within 12 months. Sweden is prepared and able to quickly order additional TRIDON systems if other countries decide to join.

Together with Denmark’s contribution, Ukraine will receive complete TRIDON systems, which will provide Ukraine with considerable capacity on the battlefield or in the protection of civilian infrastructure, buildings and population against Russian mass attacks with drones and missiles.