The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has authorized the distribution of the Swedish Pansarbandvagn 302 armored personnel carrier to the armed forces.
Kyiv’s announcement follows Stockholm’s plan in May 2024 to send 75 billion Swedish krona ($7.3 billion) in military aid to Ukraine for its defense against Russia.
Part of this three-year resolution is a 13.3 billion krona ($1.3 billion) package consisting of Sweden’s entire Pansarbandvagn 302 stock to reinforce Ukrainian military brigades.
Additional articles revealed for donation included the ASC 890 spy plane, artillery ammunition, and maintenance equipment for Sweden’s previously sent capabilities.
Stockholm’s recent Pansarbandvagn 302 shipment is counted under the government’s 16th aid package for Kyiv, increasing the nation’s Ukrainian contribution to 43.5 billion krona ($4.2 billion) since Moscow invaded in February 2022.
Sweden’s Pansarbandvagn 302
The Pansarbandvagn 302 was developed by Västernorrland-based Hägglund & Söner for the Swedish Army until 2014 and actively deployed for combat in the Western Balkans.
Its chassis measures 5.35 meters (17.5 feet) long, with an overall weight of 14 tons.
The vehicle is operated by a commander, a driver, and a gunner while accommodating up to eight passengers.
It is protected by a 23-millimeter armor, a 20-millimeter Hispano-Suiza autocannon, and a 71-millimeter Lyran mortar.
The Pansarbandvagn 302 is powered by a 270-horsepower Volvo diesel engine for a top speed of 66 kilometers (41 miles) per hour and an operational range of 300 kilometers (186.4 miles).
Buffalo, Mbombe Vehicles in Ukraine
Ukraine’s decision to accept the Pansarbandvagn 302s was unveiled simultaneously with the country’s approval of Buffalo mine sweeper vehicles for warfighter use.
The Buffalo was introduced by General Dynamics’s South Carolina-based segment Force Protection in 2003 for the US military, particularly for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Kyiv was also seen using the South African Mbombe 6 mine-protected armored fighting vehicle under the armed forces’ 10th Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss” unit based in Kolomyia.
