Sweden outlines spending plan to 2025

The Swedish government on 15 October launched a proposal to invest in a ‘substantial increase of capabilities’ for its armed forces.

In its Totalförsvaret 2021–2025 (Total Defence 2021–2025) bill presented to parliament, Sweden aims to reactivate five army regiments and one air wing, and create a ‘new and expanded war organisation’.

The plan also includes investment in military equipment, cyber defence, ammunition and foreign intelligence capabilities.

If the bill is voted through, funding for the armed forces will grow by SEK27.5 billion by 2025 with SEK79 billion allocated to defence over the next five years.

Total Defence 2021-2025 ‘represents the largest increase in the level of ambition in defence capabilities in 70 years’, said Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist. ‘It is a signal to the Swedish people and our neighbourhood that we are taking the security situation extremely seriously.’

He added: ‘The proposals in the bill should be seen against the background of the deteriorating security situation in Sweden’s neighbourhood and in Europe over time… An armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out.’

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