Ukraine’s air defense will receive IRIS-T and Hawk anti-aircraft missile systems from Sweden.

The Swedish government confirmed that the country is transferring 10 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, and will also contribute to the internationally coordinated supply of Hawk and Iris-T air defense systems.

As part of the new support package, the eleventh in a row, the government plans to provide defense equipment free of charge, which Ukraine emphasized in its requests.

Sweden tries to make its contribution so that Russian aviation does not receive an advantage in the air.

“Ukraine needs air defense systems, for Ukraine it is absolutely necessary that Russia does not get air supremacy. It’s a capability that we have to provide in the long term,” said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson.

There is international cooperation on sending the HAWK system, which the minister describes as “important and central” for Ukraine.

The number of air defense systems and transfer dates were not announced.

Sweden also stressed the symbolism of announcing a military aid package on the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion.

“This, of course, is a sign on our part in relation to Russia, but first of all in relation to Ukraine, that we support them, presenting today a new package of weapons,” the minister said.

Earlier, the Ukrainian military released the findings of IRIS-T SLM air defense system combat operations.

One of the world’s newest developments in the field of air defense, IRIS-T, has significantly strengthened the capabilities of Ukrainian air defense.

In October 2022, it became known what distribution of obligations the companies responsible for the creation of IRIS-T SLM for Ukraine have.