Stockholm, Sweden. Sweden will buy air defence and anti-drone systems worth 8.7 billion Swedish crowns ($916 million), including equipment from Saab and BAE Systems, Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Thursday. The procurement is part of Sweden’s efforts to bolster its defences after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Defence spending and expanded protection goals
Sweden, like most European countries, is increasing defence capabilities, with military spending projected to reach 2.8% of GDP in 2026 and rise to 3.5% in 2030. Jonson said the additional capability would broaden Sweden’s air defences, which currently focus chiefly on protecting military units.
Jonson said the new systems would help protect population centres and critical infrastructure, including ports, railway hubs, nuclear power plants and airports.
Anti-drone systems and Ukraine testing
The package includes an anti-drone system called Gute II, a radar-and-cannon system that can be mounted on the ground or on vehicles. Jonson said the systems had been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine and proved effective against drones such as the Shahed model used by Russia and Iran.
In a separate statement, Saab said its portion of the package amounts to 2.6 billion crowns and covers an anti-drone platform designed to detect and neutralise low-flying small- to medium-sized drones.
Ammunition, vehicles, and delivery schedule
Jonson said the total package also includes ammunition and vehicles, including infantry mobility vehicles from Finnish defence firm Sisu. Deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2027 and 2028.
What impact do you think the new systems will have on protecting Sweden’s critical infrastructure?