Sweden to pledge $1.6B for short-range air defense systems

Sweden will invest 15 billion Swedish crowns (about $1.6 billion) in strengthening its air defense capabilities, with a specific focus on safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

On January 10, 2026, Sweden’s Defense Minister Pal Jonson told reporters that the funding will be directed toward acquiring short range air defense systems intended to protect cities, bridges, power plants, and other essential civilian targets.

“The experience from the war in Ukraine clearly shows how crucial a robust and resilient air defense is,” Reuters quoted Jonson.

The decision comes amid a sustained European effort to enhance military readiness following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which exposed significant vulnerabilities in national airspace across the region.

What has Sweden already been procuring?

Sweden’s short range and layered air defense buildup is already underway, with several procurements and contracts announced over the years.

The country has focused on mobile short-range air defense solutions, with Saab securing contracts to supply systems that integrate the RBS 70 NG missile and Giraffe 1X radar on armoured vehicles. These systems are specifically designed to counter low-flying threats such as drones, helicopters, and light aircraft, forming a crucial part of Sweden’s ground-based air defense capabilities.

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The country has also invested in the IRIS-T short-range ground-based air defense systems as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The IRIS-T SLS units provide 360-degree protection against aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones, featuring highly agile missiles capable of rapid engagement. Sweden has also opted for medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems under ESSI, further expanding its multi-layered air defense architecture and ensuring broader coverage across its territory.

Beyond missile systems, Saab secured contracts valued at approximately 2.1 billion Swedish crowns (about $228 million) for air defense sensors and command-and-control infrastructure in November 2025. These include advanced radars and associated systems capable of detecting and tracking airborne threats at the brigade level, adding critical situational awareness to Sweden’s air defense network.

Sweden’s approach follows current regional trends, combining short-, medium-, and long-range air defense layers instead of relying on a single system.The post Sweden to pledge $1.6B for short-range air defense systems appeared first on AeroTime.

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