Sweden has announced a significant investment of 15 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $1.6 billion) to enhance its territorial air defense capabilities, addressing gaps in the protection of its civilian population. The announcement was made during the annual Folk och Försvar national defense conference in Sälen, where Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the initiative’s importance in safeguarding not only military assets but also cities and critical civilian infrastructure.
In addition to air defense, Sweden is committing 1.3 billion kronor (around $140 million) to expand its space capabilities. This includes investments in new intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites, which will enhance the country’s strategic autonomy and operational effectiveness.
Strengthening Air Defense
Historically, Sweden’s military focus has been on protecting its own forces and military infrastructure. The recent shift aims to create a comprehensive defense strategy that encompasses civilian safety. The Minister for Civil Defense, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, revealed that a directive was issued six months ago to enhance the protection of population centers from aerial threats. He noted that lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have significantly influenced this decision.
“What we see in Ukraine is how Russia, in violation of international law, attacks civilians and civilian infrastructure with the aim of breaking the Ukrainian will to defend themselves,” Bohlin stated. He highlighted the need for Sweden to build a deterrent strategy informed by these developments.
The new territorial air defense system will primarily consist of short-range systems capable of protecting vital civilian targets such as bridges, railway hubs, and energy facilities. The first major order for these systems is expected in the first quarter of 2026, with potential suppliers including Rheinmetall’s Skynex and BAE Systems Bofors’ Tridon Mk2.
This initiative follows earlier announcements of plans to invest nearly 40 billion kronor ($4.37 billion) in air defense, which includes advanced systems like IRIS-T and Patriot missiles, as well as measures to counter drone threats. Pål Jonson, the Swedish Defense Minister, underscored the urgency of enhancing air defense capabilities, referencing NATO’s call for a significant increase in defense readiness.
Expanding Space Capabilities
Alongside its air defense investments, Sweden is taking substantial steps to bolster its space capabilities. The commitment of 1.3 billion kronor is aimed at developing a suite of ISR satellites to improve intelligence gathering and operational freedom. Jonson stated, “Enhanced space capabilities offer Sweden improved intelligence gathering, enhanced freedom of action and greater strategic autonomy.”
The Swedish military successfully launched its first dedicated communications satellite in August 2024, coinciding with the release of its inaugural space strategy. The recent announcement includes plans for an additional ten satellites to be integrated into Sweden’s military satellite fleet.
Sweden has engaged in contracts with commercial space firms, including Finnish company ICEYE and US-based Planet. The deal with ICEYE involves the procurement of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, which can operate in challenging weather conditions. ICEYE’s technology is particularly advantageous for northern climates, enabling effective surveillance.
Planet has also secured a multi-year agreement with the Swedish Armed Forces to provide dedicated satellites and AI-driven intelligence solutions. The specifics of the contracts were not disclosed, but the company’s CEO, Will Marshall, emphasized the importance of sovereign space capabilities for Europe, positioning Sweden as a leader in this domain.
With these investments, Sweden is not only enhancing its military readiness but also reinforcing its commitments to NATO and ensuring the safety and resilience of its population in an evolving global security landscape.
