Sweden’s Parliament has approved a new defence plan, increasing the military budget from 125 billion Swedish Krona (SEK) in 2024 to 186 billion SEK by 2030. As reported by the Swedish national public television broadcaster, SVT, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said the plan prioritises expanding supplies of ammunition, missiles, and spare parts. Sweden’s defence force is set to grow from 88 thousand to one lakh 30 thousand personnel by 2035. As per the media reports, annual recruitments in the army will also increase alongside significant investments in drones, long-range missiles, and advanced radar systems.
On the 13th of this month, the Swedish lawmakers approved the country’s long-term participation in NATO’s multinational brigade in Latvia. The Latvian Defence Ministry had informed that Sweden is planning to deploy a mechanised infantry battalion of up to 600 personnel to join the multinational unit in Latvia. The Swedish troops are scheduled to arrive at the beginning of 2025, marking Sweden’s first deployment to another allied country since its accession to NATO in March this year.
Last month, Sweden and Poland also announced a new strategic partnership between the two countries during the visit of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s office detailed that the new partnership includes strengthening security and defence relations between the two countries.
