Sweden launches largest rearmament since Cold War and strengthens support for Ukraine

On Wednesday, March 26, the Swedish government presented a large-scale rearmament plan for the country. According to Kristersson, Sweden's defense spending already exceeds NATO’s target of 2% of GDP, but this is not enough. Therefore, the country plans to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2030.

"Today (March 26 - ed.), we presented an ambitious plan aimed at raising Sweden's defense spending to around 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030. The plan involves a loan-financed investment of approximately 300 billion SEK (approximately 28.5 billion dollars - ed.)," the Prime Minister stated.

The Swedish government added that starting from 2025, they plan to purchase weapons worth 25 billion SEK (about 2.5 billion dollars) to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. Sweden plans to purchase air defense systems, drones, rocket artillery, individual protective equipment, and ammunition.

The government also proposes allocating an additional 96 billion SEK for 2025 for a new package of measures to strengthen efforts against hybrid threats.

In addition, the Swedish government plans to increase the economic framework for military support to Ukraine from 25 billion SEK (approximately 2.5 billion dollars) to just over 40 billion SEK (4 billion dollars) in 2025.

Earlier, Sweden presented the rearmament plan amid the EU's efforts to strengthen defense. Recently, the European Commission presented a White Paper on rearmament. EU countries are also working to approve a defense investment plan presented by EU President Ursula von der Leyen.

Furthermore, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden announced its intention to join NATO. Sweden officially became NATO’s 32nd member in March 2024.

In April 2023, Finland also joined the Alliance.