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Ukraine to Receive Swedish Tross Boats—Armed Landing Craft With Heavy Firepower
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Sweden’s latest military aid package for Ukraine includes naval equipment described as “tross boats equipped with grenade launchers,” a designation that has raised questions due to its uncommon terminology.
According to Defense Express on September 11, the Swedish government’s announcement used the term “trossfärjor utrustade med granatkastare” in its original language.
The official English translation referred to them as “tross boats,” which are a type of landing craft employed by the Swedish Navy.
These vessels, also known as “Trossbåt”, are multi-role landing boats designed to transport troops, vehicles, or supplies. While their primary function is logistical, they can be armed for combat operations.
Standard armament includes heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers such as the Mk 19. In some cases, they can be fitted with more advanced systems, including a containerized NEMO automatic mortar.
Defense Express notes that vessels like HMS Loke have occasionally been described as trossfärja.
In combat configuration, the installation of heavier weaponry can convert these boats from transport platforms into fully capable fighting units, although such modifications reduce their carrying capacity.
Earlier, Sweden signaled openness to selling its advanced JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine after the war, with Defense Minister Pål Jonson telling Breaking Defense on September 3 that any agreement would be a “long-term endeavor” dependent on the war’s conclusion.
