Swedish Government Allocates Additional 27 Billion SEK to Defense

26.6 billion SEK. That's the additional amount the government and the Sweden Democrats want to allocate to Swedish defense.

– We are talking about very large investments in weapon systems and other defense materials, for the army, air force, and navy, says the Prime Minister.

The Tidö parties aim to increase the defense budget by 26.6 billion SEK, as announced at a press conference on Monday at noon.

This involves more funds for purchasing equipment, increased daily allowances for conscripts, and what the government calls a technological boost.

– We are now taking the next big step in strengthening the Swedish defense, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

“Broad Political Consensus”

The initiative means that next year Sweden will allocate 2.8% of GDP to defense, moving towards NATO's goal of 3.5%.

– I am pleased that we are doing this with broad political consensus, says Ulf Kristersson.

The increase in the defense budget is “unprecedented,” according to the Prime Minister.

– We have increased the defense budget by 100 billion SEK since 2022. This is unprecedented unless you go back to the worst days of the Cold War, says Kristersson.

Part of the funds will be borrowed, writes TT.

Increasing Compensation for Conscripts

As part of the initiative, compensation for conscripts and officer candidates will increase. For conscripts, the amount will rise from 146 to 200 SEK per day, and for officer candidates from 175 to 240 SEK per day.

Defense Minister Pål Jonson calls the defense budget “powerful.”

– These investments are absolutely necessary in the serious times we are in, he says.