ATHENS

Sweden on Friday announced that it would send 10 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to the local media.

While Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that the decision was taken in close coordination with Germany and other allies, Defense Minister Pal Jonson stressed that the tanks will be of the A5 model, a relatively updated and newer version, public broadcaster SVT reported.

Sweden will also contribute to the initiative of providing Ukraine with Hawk and IRIS-T air defense systems, Jonson added.

“Ukraine needs an air defense system, which is absolutely crucial for Ukraine so that Russia does not gain air supremacy over Ukraine. It is an ability we need to provide long-term,” he said.