The Swedish parliament will today discuss the defense implications of providing 20 Archer artillery systems to Ukraine. Photo: Wikipedia

Today is the last day for the Swedish government to provide parliament with information about its plan to give 20 Archer howitzers to Ukraine.

This artillery system comprises a fully automatized howitzer mounted on an all-terrain vehicle. Ukrainian soldiers will be trained on the weapon system, which will be sent along with 50 combat vehicles and anti-tank missiles worth €38.5 million.

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has broken with its doctrine of not delivering weapons to a country at war. The Kristersson government, which is currently awaiting NATO membership, wants the security alliance to know that it intends to pull its weight. Alongside the Archer system, Sweden may send sorely needed German Leopard 2 tanks after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz allowed their reexport.

In the short term, Stockholm will likely supply Leopard 2 tanks as Kyiv prepares for major offensives this spring. However, the Riksdag Defence Committee will also likely maintain pressure toward the coalition government demanding plans to replace these heavy armoured vehicles over the long term. For Kiev, though, the supply of advanced tanks and artillery is vital if its army is to gain the punch and momentum needed to regain its territorial integrity.