Fri. Nov 15th, 2024

Published 

An increase of the annual defence budget by 85 percent from 2015 to 2025. A new and larger war-time organisation, six new training establishments and new procurements. The Swedish Minister for Defence, Peter Hultqvist, presented the largest investment in Sweden’s defence capabilities in 70 years to international media on April 7.

The Minister started the press briefing by pointing to the fact that the security situation in the northern part of Europe has deteriorated over time.

 – Russia breaks international law and acts to change the established European security order. Add to this, we see a continued Russian military build-up, including nuclear weapons in our vicinity, increased military presence in the Arctic and a continuation of hybrid, cyber and disinformation activities against other states, Peter Hultqvist said.

The Minister reminded that the Swedish Government has stated that an armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out. He explained that the new defence policy implemented by the Swedish Government rests on two pillars; increased national military capability and increased international defence cooperation.

– Sweden is, as you are all aware of, a member state of the European Union, firmly committed to the UN and an Enhanced Opportunities Partner with NATO. Sweden will contribute to security, stability and predictability in Europe by expanding defence cooperation with other nations and organisations.

The increase in national defence capabilities entails, among other things, that the number of conscripts called up for training every year will double from 4,000 to 8,000. Sweden’s new war-time organisation will increase from 60,000 individuals to 90,000 in total by 2030.

– The increased spending constitutes the most substantial strengthening of Swedish defence, both military and civilian defence, since the 1950s. It is a clear signal to the Swedish people and the European community that we take the security situation seriously, Peter Hultqvist concluded the virtual press briefing.

Source – Swedish Government: View the full article on government.se

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