Sweden is set to increase spending on defence by 40% over the next five years, and enlarge its army, in the face of signs of increasing Russian aggression in the region.
In introducing a new defence bill earlier this month, Swedish defence minister Peter Hultqvist said: ‘An armed attack on Sweden cannot be ruled out.’
Russia has been sabre-rattling in the region for some time now, with its planes and warships encroaching on Swedish territory numerous times. This has led to the Scandinavian country deciding to increase military spending and enlist more soldiers. Sweden will also be strengthening ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), a military alliance of which it is not a member.
By 2025, the country’s defence budget will have grown to about $3.1 billion. This will pay for an increase in its armed personnel by 50%, to 90 000. In addition, the country will also gain an additional mechanised brigade, increasing the number to three, and more artillery pieces.
The number of people drafted into the army will also double to 8 000 people a year (Sweden reintroduced conscription in 2017 after having abolished it in 2010).
The navy and air force will also be bolstered, with new Gripen fighter planes and upgrades to existing warships in the pipeline.
In addition, Sweden will be shoring up its civil defence capabilities, such as cybersecurity and protection of the electricity grid.