Two new agreements between Sweden and Ukraine have been signed.
The first is a security agreement that allows the countries to share classified information with each other.
The second provides a fast track for Ukraine to defense equipment.
The cooperation between Sweden and Ukraine is strengthened in the form of two new agreements.
The first is a security agreement that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba and Defense Minister Pål Jonson signed. This allows Sweden and Ukraine to share secret information. It is a prerequisite for Ukraine to be able to test fly the Gripen, but also to be able to order defense equipment, i.e. weapons, with the support of Sweden.
The second agreement is between Ukraine’s Defense Minister Reznikov and the Defense Materiel Administration, FMV. FMV can then let Ukraine buy defense equipment via Swedish agreements, including via Swedish defense industry.
This means that Ukraine’s orders can be delivered much faster compared to if they now place their own orders. In terms of time, it can be months to years faster.
Sweden shares defense surpluses
Sweden has various types of arms orders that have been placed before, with the possibility of placing additional orders. With the new agreements in place, Sweden’s extra orders can go to Ukraine, which can then receive deliveries faster.
In short – when Sweden has met its defense needs, the surplus can be shared with Ukraine. It is not clear what weapons and what type of ammunition it may apply to.
Who pays for the defense material is a separate issue.
– Whether this is a support package or whether they pay themselves is not part of what was presented today, says Johan Hjelmstrand, the Defense Minister’s press secretary.
The agreement is valid until further notice and may also be important after the war when the country has to be rebuilt.