Swedish Armed Forces to invest in more air defence capability
Published
Together with representatives of the Swedish Armed Forces and the Defence Materiel Administration, Minister for Defence Pål Jonson has presented investments of SEK 3.5 billion in the area of air defence.
“Sweden’s defence needs to be strengthened against threats such as missiles, drones and helicopters. The best way to guarantee peace and freedom is to invest in defence. The orders also contribute to growth, jobs and security of supply. This also improves possibilities to increase production capacity in the defence industry,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
Sweden’s air defence brigade needs additional capability to meet threats such as combat aircraft, helicopters and drones. This is an explicit objective stated in the 2024 Defence Resolution.
An important step towards this objective was taken on 25 November when the Defence Materiel Administration signed a SEK 2 billion contract for the purchase of short-range air defence systems like the IRIS-T SLS (Surface-Launched Short-range). The Defence Materiel Administration will also procure vehicles and systems for integration of the air defence systems for SEK 1.5 billion, which will bolster Sweden’s air defence brigade.
Investments include more launch pads, modern radar systems, spare parts and new command and control systems. The air defence systems will be assigned to Norrbotten Regiment I 19, Skaraborg Regiment P 4 and provide short-range air defence capability for up to four platoons.
The procurement consists of the following materiel:
- IRIS-T SLS launchers (rocket launch system for robots)
- Giraffe 1X short-range radar systems
- Platoon command vehicles
- Company command vehicles
- Command and control centres
- Modifications to existing IRIS-T SLS systems so they can be part of the air defence brigade
- Integration operations
- Spare parts
- Education
These investments build upon previous air defence investments made this year. These include the purchase of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, anti-drone systems, increased Gripen capabilities and the IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) air defence system. In the last six months, more than SEK 20 billion has been spent on expanded air defence capabilities.
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