Sweden will spend 15 billion Swedish crowns (about $1.6 billion) on short-range air-defence systems to protect civilians and critical infrastructure. The move follows increased European defence spending after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and responds to concerns about aerial vulnerabilities across Sweden's large territory. Defence Minister Pål Jonson stressed the need for a resilient air-defence capability, while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized U.S. rhetoric toward Greenland and Denmark.
Sweden Pledges 15 Billion SEK ($1.6B) For Short-Range Air Defence To Shield Civilians
Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson attends a press conference in Berlin, Germany, September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner
SALEN, Sweden, Jan 11 (Reuters) — The Swedish government announced on Sunday it will allocate 15 billion Swedish crowns (about $1.6 billion) to bolster air-defence capabilities aimed primarily at protecting civilians and critical infrastructure.
Like many European countries, Sweden has stepped up defence spending since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but officials say the country's large territory remains exposed to aerial threats. The new funds will be used to purchase short-range air-defence systems designed to protect population centers and vital assets.
What Will Be Bought
Defence Minister Pål Jonson said Stockholm intends to procure short-range systems to safeguard cities, bridges, power plants and other critical infrastructure. He emphasized that lessons from the war in Ukraine underline the need for a robust and resilient air-defence posture to protect civilians.
"The experience from the war in Ukraine clearly shows how crucial a robust and resilient air defence is," Defence Minister Pål Jonson told reporters at a security conference in northern Sweden.
Political Context
On the same day, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticized what he described as the U.S. administration's "threatening rhetoric" toward Greenland and Denmark, saying the United States should thank Denmark for being a loyal ally. The remarks reflected tensions in transatlantic diplomacy even as European countries coordinate more closely on defence.
($1 = 9.1954 Swedish crowns)
Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Tomasz Janowski
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