Sweden Boosts Defense Spending by 27 Billion SEK in Strategic Budget Increase
Sweden announces a major increase in defense spending for 2025, reaching 2.8% of GDP as part of a strategic shift.
- • 27 billion SEK increase in defense spending announced for 2025
- • All eight Riksdag parties support the defense budget raise
- • Defense budget to reach 2.8% of GDP, aiming for NATO's 3.5% target
- • Compensation for conscripts and officer candidates to significantly increase
Key details
In a significant move coinciding with mounting global security concerns, the Swedish government has announced a remarkable increase in defense spending amounting to 27 billion SEK as part of its autumn budget for 2025. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, supported by the Sweden Democrats, underscored that this raise reflects a collective political commitment across all eight parliamentary parties, marking a total defense budget escalation of approximately 100 billion SEK since 2022.
With this enhancement, Sweden's defense budget is set to reach 2.8% of the nation’s GDP, edging closer to NATO's ambitious defense spending target of 3.5% by the year 2030. In addition to bolstering military capabilities—including vital upgrades to equipment, facilities, air defense systems, and the acquisition of new naval vessels—this budget will provide an increase in daily compensation for conscripts from 146 to 200 SEK and for officer candidates from 175 to 240 SEK, the first rise since 2017.
The Prime Minister articulated the crucial necessity of these investments for Sweden’s national security, emphasizing the need to counter current geopolitical tensions, particularly referencing recent incursions by Russian drones into Polish airspace. He stated that enhancing defense efforts not only strengthens security but also has the potential to create jobs within Sweden.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson labeled the increase a 'powerful' initiative essential for navigating the current global security landscape. This decision to bolster defense spending amidst a dramatic rise in national and regional threats underscores Sweden's urgent response to evolving defense needs in a rapidly changing world.