The Swedish MoD announced the joint purchase of BAE Systems Tridon Mk2 truck-based 40 mm multi-purpose guns to support Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
The Swedish MoD announced on its official Twitter account that Sweden and Denmark are jointly purchasing the Tridon Mk2 multi-purpose guns to support the air defence capabilities of Ukraine at a cost of $236 million.
Tridon Mk2 is a land-based adaptation of the Bofors Mk4 40 mm multi-purpose naval gun, incorporating an EO/IR system and 3P multi-mode fuse ammunition. Thanks to proximity or airburst modes, 3P rounds can be used to engage aircraft and cruise missiles, as well as surface targets if needed.
According to the release from the Swedish MoD, the systems will work in conjunction with command-control systems and Saab’s Giraffe 1-X searching radars for expanded detection capabilities. Giraffe 1-X, mainly intended for short-range air defence or surveillance with a range of 100 km, is light enough to be mounted on tactical 4x4 vehicles or pickups.
Ukraine has started receiving more capable large-calibre air defence weaponry with airburst/proximity ammunition, which are considerably more effective against air targets compared to traditional ammunition. Another notable example with this capability is the recently delivered Skyranger 35 from Germany, using AHEAD airburst ammunition, spreading a cone of pellets at high velocity to disable control surfaces/sensors of the target.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
