The Swedish government has promised to deliver the feared Archer artillery cannons to Ukraine as soon as possible.
However, the country’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, warned that future military aid must be balanced with Sweden’s defence needs as a potential member of NATO.
During a visit to Kyiv, Kristersson stated that the Archer howitzers, along with 51 infantry fighting vehicles and anti-tank weapons, would significantly boost Ukraine’s combat power.
This latest package of Swedish military aid comes as Ukraine is fighting to maintain control over its eastern territory against renewed Russian assaults and is relying on continued Western support to repel Russian advances and launch its own offensives.
The truck-mounted Archer is a “shoot and scoot” weapon capable of quickly firing a succession of three rounds before moving again.
Kristersson wouldn’t specify when the Archer cannons would arrive, citing security and training concerns, but he did say that training would start soon and deliveries would happen as soon as possible.
As a result of the Archer, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy predicted that Russia’s invasion forces would be impacted.
When asked about fighter planes, Kristersson suggested that Sweden would need the support of other nations and that its drive to join NATO, along with Finland, would also play a role in its decision-making regarding military supplies to Ukraine.
Kristersson stated that Sweden would do everything it could to support Ukraine while also upholding its own ability to defend itself, which is a core competency for a NATO-applicant country.
Sweden’s promise to deliver its Archer artillery cannons to Ukraine demonstrates its commitment to supporting the country in its fight against Russian aggression.
The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, emphasized the importance of balancing military aid with Sweden’s own defence needs as a potential member of NATO.
The Archer howitzers, along with the other weapons and vehicles, are expected to make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s combat power.
Kristersson’s visit to Kyiv highlighted Sweden’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while also upholding its own ability to defend itself.
The delivery of the Archer cannons is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to resist Russian advances and secure peace in the region.
