Sweden's air defense was hit hard when it was dismantled after the Cold War. Now it must be rebuilt.
The wars, especially in Ukraine but also in connection with Iran, show the importance of a strong air defense that can meet threats from drones and helicopters but also from unmanned systems and missiles, says Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M).
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has now entered into an agreement to purchase air defense systems for SEK 8.7 billion to strengthen defense against drones.
The decision follows the government's investment in a new territorial air defense, and FMV, the Armed Forces and industry have jointly developed a concept.
Anti-aircraft gun
The capability will be based on the Bofors Tridon MK2 anti-aircraft gun, a 40-millimeter weapon mounted on a truck, and the Saab Trackfire remote-controlled weapon station with 30-millimeter cannons. Trackfire can be mounted both stationary and on vehicles.
Air defense systems are particularly effective against drones and helicopters.
"You can either fire from the truck or dismount, and you can move away from there very quickly. In a very short time you can combat a swarm of drones," says Lena Gillström, CEO of Bofors.
The systems can be used to protect military units but also infrastructure such as nuclear power plants, railway junctions and cities.
The concept has been developed in close dialogue with Ukraine, which after more than four years of defensive war against Russia is considered one of the most experienced in the world in combating drones. It would also work well there, according to Jonny Lindfors.
"I'm pretty convinced that things are going well in Ukraine. A lot of it is about having a high level of adaptability," he says.
50 companies
The Armed Forces aim to train up to 50 air defense companies for territorial defense in the coming years.
This is a start. It's not enough for 50 companies, but we will make good progress along the way, says Jonny Lindfors.
In the past year, the government has announced air defense investments of over 50 billion, the largest buildup since World War II, according to Pål Jonson.
According to him, the Swedish population will also benefit from the investment. But it is not enough to defend the entire country.
Sweden is a large country by area and we do not have the same opportunity as, for example, Israel to be able to defend our entire territory at the same time.
FMV has signed an agreement worth 8.7 billion SEK to strengthen Sweden's anti-drone capabilities.
The base consists of the BAE Systems Bofors Tridon MK2 anti-aircraft gun, mounted on a truck with a 40-millimeter caliber, and Saab's Trackfire remote-controlled weapon station with 30-millimeter cannons.
The agreements also include command and control systems, sensor systems such as Saab's Giraffe 1x radar, and telecommunications systems.
In addition, there are agreements for ammunition and around 70 trucks and 24 off-road vehicles that have been signed with Norwegian Nammo and Finnish Sisu.
The funding has been announced before. In January, the government announced that it would invest 15 billion in territorial air defense, and Thursday's agreement is part of that.
Deliveries will take place continuously from 2027 through 2028.
Source: Government
