Sweden Boosts Military Readiness with Drone Investment and Royal Military Training

At the 2026 Folk och försvar conference in Sälen, Sweden unveiled key initiatives to advance its military preparedness amid escalating global security challenges. Crown Princess Victoria, alongside King Carl XVI Gustaf, highlighted the urgency of adapting to the current troubled world and Europe’s heightened security pressures. Victoria is actively furthering her military education, transitioning from air force officer training to army training to better understand the collaboration between Sweden’s military branches as the country assumes new responsibilities following NATO membership.

Concurrently, Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced a substantial 4 billion kronor investment aimed at expanding Sweden's drone capabilities. This initiative encompasses armed kamikaze drones, reconnaissance drones equipped for electronic warfare, and marine drones designed for mine detection and maritime surveillance. The new drone systems are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2028 and will be funded within the existing defense budget.

Jonson emphasized the evolving battlefield landscape shaped by unmanned systems, drawing on lessons from the Ukraine conflict, where drones have become integral. He noted the possibility of needing millions of drones in future conflicts, stressing that failure to adapt would be costly. Despite the scale, the military aims to avoid long-term stockpiling due to rapid technological advancements.

Together, these efforts illustrate Sweden's commitment to strengthening defense capabilities through advanced technology and well-prepared personnel in a shifting geopolitical environment.