Sweden and Denmark to purchase modern Tridon Mk2 anti-aircraft guns for Ukraine

Sweden and Denmark have signed an agreement to jointly purchase and deliver Tridon Mk2 mobile anti-aircraft artillery systems to Ukraine to strengthen its air defense, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson and his Danish counterpart Troels Lund Poulsen said on Tuesday.

The Swedish government, citing the Defense Ministry, said that by offering other countries to co-finance Swedish production, it will be possible to increase volumes, reduce costs and increase production capacity. This will allow Ukraine to receive more weapons more quickly.

"The fact that Sweden and - starting today - Denmark are providing Ukraine with Tridon is of great importance. Joint procurement in support of Ukraine not only helps it on the battlefield with more equipment, but also strengthens the security of supply in Sweden, the Nordic countries and Europe in general," Defense Minister Jonson said.

Danish Defense Minister Poulsen stressed that the project comes at a critical time, when Russian air strikes in the winter are significantly affecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

"With this donation, Denmark is helping to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in the middle of winter, when Russian air strikes on civilian infrastructure are significantly affecting the country’s energy supply. That is why continued massive military assistance to Ukraine remains crucial to empowering it to resist the aggressor and continue its fight for freedom," he said.

The Tridon Mk2 system is a new Swedish-made mobile anti-aircraft artillery weapon based on the modernized 40 mm Bofors cannon (which has been in service for over 90 years), mounted on the chassis of a Scania off-road truck (integration onto other platforms, including tracked ones, is possible). It is designed to combat drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, attack aircraft, as well as for direct fire support against ground targets.

The complexes intended for Ukraine are additionally equipped with control systems, Saab Giraffe 1-X radars, spare parts and a significant ammunition stockpile, including programmable 3P ammunition (high-explosive-fragmentation-incendiary-fragmentation).

Sweden has already financed Tridon as part of its 18th, 19th and 20th military assistance packages for a total of 2.1 billion Swedish kronor (about 200 million US dollars). Denmark is adding to the initiative the purchase of additional systems and equipment worth approximately 480 million Swedish kronor, which corresponds to equipping a full-fledged anti-aircraft battalion group.

The first deliveries to Ukraine are planned to begin within the next 12 months. Sweden has stated its readiness to quickly order additional systems if other countries join the coalition.

Thanks to the Danish contribution, Ukraine will receive complete Tridon systems, which will significantly strengthen its capabilities to counter massive Russian attacks with drones and missiles, both on the front line and to protect civilian infrastructure, settlements, and the population.