In an era of heightened security concerns and geopolitical shifts, Sweden has embarked on a substantial overhaul of its military spending. The Swedish Defence Commission, a cross-party group, has advocated for an increase in defense spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2030.
This “gradual increase” of SEK 52.8 billion ($4.8 billion) over a five-year period from next year is articulated in the Defence Commission’s “final report,” recently presented to the Swedish parliament. The commission cites the “deteriorating security situation,” propelled by Russian aggressiveness and Stockholm’s fresh entry into NATO, as key drivers for this escalated ambition.
The commission’s endorsement follows Sweden’s official NATO membership since March 7th, 2024, setting a notable example for longstanding NATO members that have struggled to meet the 2% threshold. Only a handful of the 32 member states currently meet or exceed this target, with Sweden’s pledge aiming to place it firmly among the alliance’s top contributors.
The commission delineates a comprehensive blueprint for bolstering Sweden’s defense capabilities. It includes scaling up the army to three mechanised brigades and one infantry brigade by 2030 and expanding air defense systems to combat drone threats. It also recommends the procurement of additional air-to-air and cruise missiles, while suggesting an uplift in conscription numbers to 12,000 by 2032—representing a 4,000-troop increase from current levels.
The report underscores the urgency of developing new military units focused on territorial defense, organized as 20 companies and platoons, and emphasizes the need for the formation of a Norrland Infantry Regiment.
“The Defence Commission would like to emphasize that the submitted proposals may need to be adjusted depending on the development of Russia’s full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine and the risk of further deterioration of the security situation,” the proposal cautions. It also notes that parliament and the government may need to revisit civil and military defense development due to Sweden’s new NATO membership, including prospective capability targets.
Relevant articles:
– Swedish defense committee calls for near $4.8 billion defense spending jump, Breaking Defense, 04/28/2024
– Sweden to Achieve 2.6% GDP Defense Spending, Shaming Longtime NATO Members Who Have Missed Mark for Years, Atlas News, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:17:17 GMT
– Sweden should hike military budget to 2.6% of GDP, defence committee says, Yahoo News Australia, Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:42:36 GMT