Planned purchases include IRIS-T missile systems and launch pads, among other things. 

Sweden will invest SEK3.5 billion (GBP279 million) to bolster its air defences, a 25 November Swedish Ministry of Defence (MoD) announcement has revealed. 

This investment will help provide additional capability to counter combat aircraft, helicopters, and drones, the MoD said, as well as meet objectives outlined in Sweden’s 2024 ‘Defence Resolution’, a document which outlined the country's defence spending to 2030. 

Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has already signed a SEK2 billion contract under this planned investment for the purchase of short-range air defences such as the IRIS-T missile system. 

The FMV will also procure vehicles and equipment to integrate with the air defence systems for the remaining SEK1.5 billion, with planned investments covering launch pads, modern radar systems, and new command and control systems. 

The air defence systems will be assigned to the ‘Norrbotten’ Arctic and ‘Skaraborg’ army regiments and will provide capabilities for up to four platoons. 

Other planned procurements include platoon and company command vehicles, modifications for existing IRIS-T systems, and training services. 

“The best way to guarantee peace and freedom is to invest in defence. The orders also contribute to growth, jobs and security of supply. This also improves possibilities to increase production capacity in the defence industry”, Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson said. 

These investments build upon previous investments throughout the year, the MoD said, which has seen Sweden purchase anti-air modular missiles and anti-drone systems, among other things. 

This announcement also comes just a day after the Swedish Armed Forces outlined its priority focus areas to the Government of Sweden, which include long-range capabilities and control over the Baltic Sea.