Sweden is to expand its air defense capability with a US$1.6 billon (SEK 15 billion) investment in ground-based systems designed to protect combat units, population centers and civilian infrastructure.
The Swedish Armed Forces will produce, train and equip multiple ground-based air defense units following the government decision announced at the weekend. The investment builds on previous commitments totaling approximately US$4.3 billion (SEK 40 billion) for air defense procurement, including mid-range and short-range systems, surface-to-air missiles and anti-drone capabilities.
“Sweden is facing the most serious security situation in modern times,” said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. “With this broad investment in air defense, we are protecting the whole of society, from our military units to urban areas and critical infrastructure.”
The ground-based air defense units will feature short-range protection capability and consist of company-sized standalone units. The systems will be modular and robust, allowing integration of different anti-aircraft artillery and radar systems. The units will have the capability to be deployed to specific geographical areas or remain mobile.
Protection capability will extend to civilian objects, including bridges, railway hubs, nuclear and hydroelectric power plants, and population centers. “Experience from the war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates the crucial importance of a robust and resilient air defense,” Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson said. “By building up ground-based air defense units, we are adding to the existing air defense and strengthening protection of combat unit mobilization.”
The first order is planned for before March 2026, with additional procurements following soon after.
The Swedish government previously ordered new mid-range and short-range air defense systems worth US$2.4 billion (SEK 22.5 billion), portable short-range air defense systems worth US$414 million (SEK 3.8 billion), additional Patriot surface-to-air missiles worth US$817 million (SEK 7.5 billion), and anti-drone capability including electronic warfare worth US$392 million (SEK 3.6 billion).
The Swedish Navy’s Visby-class corvettes and upcoming Luleå-class vessels will be equipped with air defense systems. Major investments have also been made in airborne radar systems enabling early detection of threats.
Minister for Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin said the ground-based air defense will improve the defense of urban areas, infrastructure and essential public services from airborne threats. “Protecting the civilian population and the functioning of society is a key part of our total defense,” he said. “Alongside measures such as protective shelters, redundancy and repair preparedness, this will increase society’s resilience in crisis and war.”
The Swedish Civil Defense and Resilience Agency and the Swedish Armed Forces are presenting proposals for active and passive protective measures for combating airborne threats, such as protective shelters, masks and repair preparedness in a report due on February 16, 2026.
