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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Friday, November 22, 2024

Sweden Proposes Major Defense Budget Increase

Published: 2024-04-26

Sweden's Defense Committee has proposed a significant increase in the defense budget by 52.8 billion SEK ($5.8 billion) until 2030, aiming to strengthen the military in light of Sweden's NATO membership and the current security situation.

This increase will boost the defense budget to 185 billion SEK ($20.3 billion) by 2030, accounting for an estimated 2.6% of the GDP.

The funds are earmarked for expanding conscription, enhancing air defense capabilities, and increasing the number of mechanized brigades.

The proposal also includes plans for a new field regiment, Norrlands infantry regiment, and a substantial increase in the civil defense budget.

Despite the ambitious plan, there is a call for a discussion on how these additional funds will be financed, with some parties advocating for a defense expenditure of 3% of the GDP.