The Swedish Armed Forces will produce, train and equip a number of units within a future ground-based air defence that will protect combat units, military defence mobilisation capacity, population centres and civilian infrastructure, the Swedish government announced on January 11. The total investment is worth approximately SEK 15 billion (approx. USD 1.5 billion).
“Sweden is facing the most serious security situation in modern times. With this broad investment in air defence, we are protecting the whole of society, from our military units to urban areas and critical infrastructure. It is a matter of people’s lives, our freedom and our ability to withstand attacks in all parts of the country,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Sweden’s air defence has previously been focused on protecting military units and military infrastructure.
The new ground-based air defence will primarily have short-range protection capability; consist of a number of standalone units; comprise modular systems enabling different types of weapons, sensor and technical systems to be combined; be deployable or tied to specific geographical areas; and create possibilities to protect civilian objects such as bridges, railway nodes, critical infrastructure such as nuclear and hydroelectric power plants, and population centres.
“Experience from the war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates the crucial importance of a robust and resilient air defence. By building up ground-based air defence units, we are adding to the existing air defence and strengthening protection of combat unit mobilisation. This will raise the threshold for attacks, enhance Sweden’s defensive capabilities and contribute to NATO’s collective deterrence and defence,” said Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
“Protecting the civilian population and the functioning of society is a key part of our total defence. The ground-based air defence will create better conditions to protect urban areas, infrastructure and essential public services from airborne threats. Alongside measures such as protective shelters, redundancy, and repair preparedness, this will increase society’s resilience in crisis and war,” said Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
An initial industrial order is planned for the first quarter of 2026. Additional procurements will follow successively.
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