The additional spending will increase the operational capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces, strengthen its contribution to NATO operations, and “provide more ambitious and long-term support for Ukraine.”
The Swedish government has proposed a sharp increase in the defense budget in 2025-2030 to meet the NATO target of 2% of GDP for defense spending. This was reported by the press service of the country’s government on Tuesday, September 17.
In particular, the government’s proposal provides for an increase in defense spending in 2025 by 10% (1.14 billion euros). If approved by parliament, Sweden will spend 2.4% of GDP on defense next year.
Also, in the period 2025 – 2030, the country’s government proposes to increase defense spending by more than 170 billion Swedish kronor, which will allow the country to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2028.
“The security situation requires stronger defense. Russia’s war against Ukraine is a defining factor for security in Sweden’s neighboring countries,” the statement said.
Separately, they note that the additional costs will increase the operational capabilities of the Swedish Armed Forces, strengthen its contribution to NATO operations, and “also provide more ambitious and long-term support for Ukraine,” in particular, ” help with its needs for logistics, ammunition, etc. d.”
Earlier, the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky thanked Sweden for the decision to provide our state with a military aid package worth more than $445 million.
Let’s recall that in May Sweden allocated the 16th package of military aid to Ukraine. This is still a record – 13.3 billion crowns (more than 1.1 billion euros). For the first time, the package includes two ASC 890 radar reconnaissance and control aircraft.
Overall, since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Sweden has provided Ukraine with military aid totaling 48.1 billion kroner (almost 4.2 billion euros).
Source: korrespondent
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