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Sweden Launches Major Air Defense Upgrade With $1.6 Billion Shaped by Lessons From War in Ukraine
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The government of Sweden has decided to significantly expand the air defense capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces.
According to the statement, published on January 11, the military will establish, train, and equip new territorial air defense units capable of protecting combat forces, mobilization capacity, cities, and civilian infrastructure.
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“Protecting civilians and ensuring the functioning of society are central elements of total defense. Territorial air defense creates better conditions for protecting cities, infrastructure, and critical activities from aerial threats,” said Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
Swedish authorities say the decision was shaped by lessons from Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
“The experience of the war in Ukraine clearly shows how vital a strong and resilient air defense is. By building up territorial air defense units, we are complementing existing air defense capabilities and strengthening the protection of mobilization and combat units. This raises the threshold against attack, reinforces Sweden’s defense capacity, and at the same time contributes to NATO’s collective deterrence and defense,” said Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
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Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also added that Sweden is facing the most serious security situation in modern times, and that the new investments are aimed at protecting society as a whole. He said the measures are about safeguarding people’s lives, freedom, and the country’s ability to withstand attacks across all regions.
Investments in territorial air defense units are estimated at approximately $1.63 billion.
As reported by the Swedish government, it is designed for rapid deployment and will consist of a number of independent, company-sized units. These units will be equipped with simple and flexible systems that allow different types of weapons, radars, and technical solutions to be combined, including various gun-based and radar systems.
Additionally, the units will be able to operate either as mobile forces or be assigned to specific geographic areas. This will enable the protection of not only military assets but also civilian sites such as bridges, railway hubs, and critical infrastructure, including nuclear and hydropower plants, as well as cities.
The first consolidated procurement order for industry is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with additional purchases to follow in stages.
Earlier, Sweden formally handed over 26 Archer self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine, part of a total commitment of 44 units.
According to the Swedish Embassy in Ukraine, the Archer systems have already been deployed by Ukrainian units, including the 45th Artillery Brigade, and have earned strong reviews for their ability to strike Russian targets at ranges of up to 50 kilometers.
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