Sweden to fund production of Ukrainian long-range missiles, drones

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Sweden announced on Friday that it will contribute funds to enable Ukraine to produce its own long-range missiles and drones in its war against Russia.

The announcement came during a joint press conference by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, at Karlberg Palace in Stockholm.

Jonson said that this will be made possible through the "Danish model," adding: "It aims to channel funds to the Ukrainian defence industry to make them able to build more indigenous weapon systems."

Denmark has recently announced a substantial multi-million investment to strengthen Ukraine's domestic defense industry, specifically on enhancing the country’s drone and missile manufacturing capabilities.

Expressing his country's commitment to cooperate with partner and allies to further develop and increase Kyiv's long-range capabilities, the Swedish defense chief said that Ukraine "must have the tools available" to defend itself.

"Ukraine is clearly exercising its right to self-defence in accordance with international law. Supporting Ukraine is not escalating," he wrote on X.

For his part, Umerov confirmed the development, and said that this is another step towards strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, which demonstrates the trust of its partners in the country's military-industrial potential.

Umerov noted that the two defense chiefs also discussed plans for financing assistance to Ukraine for next year.

He added that they are working to make sure that this assistance is even greater and meets the real needs of Ukraine's defenders.