Sweden To Hand Over More Fast Assault Craft To Ukraine

Sweden is set to donate an additional 16 CB90 high-speed assault boats to Ukraine as part of a new support package announced by its Ministry of Defence (MoD).

As per a recent press statement, the Swedish Government is planning to hand over its largest-yet military support package to Ukraine, valued at SEK 13.5 billion (about £960 million, or €1.15 billion).

As part of this new package, the 18th made so far by Sweden, Ukraine will receive 16 extra CB90s, doubling the number of such vessels so far donated; as well as 23 maritime weapon stations. The Defence Materiel Administration will be tasked with procuring the equipment.

The CB90 fast assault craft has been in use with the Swedish armed forces since 1991. It has a top speed of 40 knots and can carry 18 fully equipped soldiers. They are usually armed with machine guns, a grenade launcher, and naval mines or depth charges; some operators use unarmed variants for search and rescue missions.

The popular platform is also used by a number of other nations including near neighbours Norway, as well as America, Greece, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands and Peru.

• You can read further details about the full package of donations on the Swedish MoD website