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Sweden is set to spend four billion kronor ($437 million) to acquire drones for all branches of its armed forces.
The Defence Minister Pal Jonson announced on Monday, emphasising that Europe must take on “greater responsibility” for its own and Ukraine’s security.
Jonson explained that the investment covers reconnaissance and electronic warfare drones, as well as long-range loitering munitions, commonly known as kamikaze or suicide drones.
He hinted that the programme also includes maritime drones for mine clearance and surveillance. The minister indicated that all drone systems are expected to be delivered within two years.
In addition, Jonson said Sweden is investing 1.3 billion kronor in its space capability, including around 10 military satellites designed to improve the effectiveness of unmanned systems and cruise missiles.
Addressing the broader security environment at an annual defence conference, Jonson said that threats have increased over the past year.
He stated that alongside the growing threat from Russia, European security faces challenges due to what he called “increased American unpredictability,” concluding that Europe must therefore assume a greater role in its own defence and that of Ukraine.
The announcement follows Sunday’s disclosure that Sweden will allocate 15 billion kronor for ground-based aerial defence systems.
In November, the country also committed about $366 million to IRIS-T surface-to-air short-range missiles to strengthen defences against missiles, drones, and combat aircraft.
