Sweden will invest 15 billion kronor (about €1.4 billion) to strengthen terrestrial air defense, protecting civilian targets and critical infrastructure from aerial threats.

The plan follows Europe’s increased defence spending in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reflecting Sweden’s vulnerability to aerial threats given its large territory.

The upgrade focuses on modular, short-range ground-based air defense units that can be deployed flexibly or stationed at key locations, prioritising protection for bridges, rail hubs, energy facilities, and urban areas, with first industrial orders expected early in 2026.

Industrial orders for the new capability are expected to begin in the first months of 2026, as part of a broader push to bolster civilian protection.

The defense effort aims to shield combat units, civilian centers, and critical infrastructure such as bridges, rail junctions, nuclear and hydroelectric plants, and densely populated zones.

The objective is to extend protection beyond military installations to urban areas and vital civilian infrastructure.

The investment broadens protection to safeguard population centers and essential infrastructure as part of NATO-related deterrence and defence.

Initial purchases are planned for the first quarter of 2026, building on lessons from Ukraine to justify a stronger national air defense.

A parallel process involves civil defence and the armed forces preparing proposals to protect population centres and civilian infrastructure from airborne threats, with a report due by 16 February 2026.

Defence Minister Pal Johansson says the war in Ukraine underscored the need for robust air defense, given Sweden’s vulnerability to aerial threats.

Sweden notes prior spending of about €315 million in November on surface-to-air missiles and deployment vehicles, and says the new funds will expand protections beyond military assets to civilian targets.

The plan is framed as a response to lessons from the Ukraine war, aiming to raise readiness, reinforce systems, protect both combat units and civilian infrastructure, and support NATO’s deterrence.