May 13, Swedish television (SVT) reported that the United States had delivered sweden the first Patriot 103 anti-aircraft missiles for Sweden’s new air defense system, one of the largest arms deals in modern Times.
Sweden’s air defense agreement with the United States and lockheed Martin and Raytheon, the world’s two largest arms manufacturers, is worth at least SEK 10 billion (about USD1.2bn) in the first phase, according to previous information from the Swedish Defense Materials Authority (FMV).
“We will receive the goods in 2021, 2022 and 2023,” said Joakim Lewin, head of future project planning at the Swedish Defense Materials Authority (FMV). Our transactions are public, but the numbers are confidential. ”
Sweden’s air defense system has been in development since the 1960s, and the Patriot 103 anti-aircraft missile delivered has a range of “medium range”. “Our goal is to equip two air defense battalions by 2025,” said Joakim Levine. We also buy anti-aircraft sensors from Saab. Sweden’s Defense Materials Authority said last week that the first vehicles used in the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system had been delivered.
