Sweden to allocate SEK 15 billion to air defense
12 January 07:18
The Swedish government has decided to expand the capabilities of the Armed Forces in the field of air defense – an additional 15 billion kronor (1.4 billion euros) will be allocated for this purpose. This was reported by the Swedish Ministry of Defense, according to "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to DW.
This involves protecting combat units, mobilization capabilities, cities, and civilian infrastructure, including bridges, railway junctions, and critical facilities such as nuclear and hydroelectric power plants. Previously, the focus was on protecting military units and military infrastructure.
“The experience of Ukraine shows how important reliable air defense is,” the defense ministry said. “This is about protecting people’s lives, our freedom, and our ability to resist attacks in all parts of the country,” said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Defense Minister: These measures raise the threshold for attack
Defense Minister Paul Jonsson added that these measures raise the threshold for attack, strengthen defense capabilities, and contribute to deterrence along NATO lines.
The funding will go, in particular, to countermeasures against drones and equipping Swedish corvettes with air defense forces.
In November, Sweden announced its intention to purchase Iris-T air defense systems worth around €317 million, AFP reported. Sweden joined NATO in 2024.
NATO strengthens its anti-drone system
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on October 15, 2025, that the North Atlantic Alliance “will implement a number of additional measures aimed at expanding and accelerating capabilities to repel drone attacks.” Rutte noted, in particular, that “integrated systems” capable of “detecting, tracking, and neutralizing” airborne threats are being tested on the eastern borders of the alliance. These measures are part of the Eastern Sentry initiative, which was created after Russian drones violated Polish airspace in September 2025.
In turn, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Germany would increase its contribution to airspace surveillance on NATO’s eastern flank.
