According to the agreement, presented this morning, up to 300 billion SEK can be financed through loans between 2026 and 2034. Of this, a maximum of 50 billion SEK may be used for investments in civil defense, such as stockpiling and infrastructure. Support to Ukraine is not included in the cap.
– This agreement paves the way for a historic upgrade of the defense that makes Sweden and NATO safer. Now all involved, in the form of the government, defense authorities, and total defense actors, must do their utmost to accelerate the upgrade in the coming years, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
The parties agree that loan financing is a temporary solution. The public sector should return to financial balance by 2035 at the latest, and the debt anchor should continue to be 35 percent of GDP.
The upgrade includes, among other things, increased combat readiness in the Armed Forces' units, investments in equipment, ammunition, logistics, and workshop capacity, as well as reinforcements of prioritized capabilities such as air defense and long-range strike. For civil defense, the need to secure critical infrastructure and preparedness stockpiles is highlighted.
Investments in research and innovation are also identified as priorities, including enabling rapid technological development and strengthening Sweden's control in strategic areas.
A new defense policy process is expected to begin in the fall. The government will then resume talks with parliamentary parties to anchor upcoming decisions.