For battle on the water

Sweden provides Ukraine with special boats

The CB90 boat was originally developed for the Swedish navy - but other nations also rely on the fast, agile vessel.(Bild: APA/AFP/Jonathan NACKSTRAND)

Ukraine still has its hands full fending off Russian attacks. In order to keep up the fight on the water, Sweden is now lending a helping hand with another aid package. The 15th aid package is worth 630 million euros.

Just a few days before the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Scandinavian NATO candidate is promising to provide Stridsbåt 90 (CB90) combat boats, group boats, underwater weapons such as mines, artillery ammunition and air defense material, among other things.

The combat boat can carry 18 marines and their baggage as an amphibious assault group.(Bild: APA/AFP/Jonathan NACKSTRAND)

Extremely fast, heavily armed
The CB90 amphibious assault boat in particular could prove extremely useful for the defenders, as it is considered extremely fast and agile and can also perform extreme turns at full power. It reaches a top speed of 40 knots, which corresponds to 74 km/h. It is armed with heavy machine guns. For landings, the infantrymen can also leave the boat via a bow staircase.

The package has a total value of 7.1 billion Swedish crowns (630 million euros), including one billion to order around ten new CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, as announced by Defense Minister Pål Jonson at a press conference in Stockholm on Tuesday. Jonson said that it was precisely tailored to Ukraine's needs. Sweden wanted to show that it would support Ukraine in the long term and for as long as necessary.

Investment also for Sweden's security
By supporting the country, Sweden is also investing in its own security, the minister emphasized. He left open how quickly the material can be delivered to Ukraine. However, preparations for the deliveries should begin as soon as the Swedish Parliament has formally given its approval. The government intends to submit a corresponding draft resolution to parliament on Thursday.