Sweden outlines spending plan to 2025
A ‘deteriorating security situation’ is prompting Stockholm to invest heavily in new and expanded capabilities
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.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
