Sweden buys US rocket artillery for US$730 million

Sweden’s government said on Monday that the country would spend seven billion kronor (US$730 million) to buy US-made HIMARS rocket artillery for it military.

The government said in a statement that the acquisition would “enable the Swedish Armed Forces to operate over larger areas, and with greater long-range capacity than with current systems.”

Defence Minister Pal Jonson told reporters that the deal covered about 10 trucks equipped with launchers and a large quantity of ammunition, news agency TT reported.

The first deliveries of the artillery system made by US defence giant Lockheed Martin were set for 2027, according to the government.

“In light of the security situation, rapidly available capabilities are needed that complement conventional artillery systems,” such as the Swedish-made Archer artillery system, the government said.

Sweden also announced a joint declaration with Nordic neighbour Finland about deepening cooperation on the countries’ rocket artillery systems.