The government is investing over five billion kronor to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces' capabilities in drone protection and combat aircraft. The largest portion of the investment, just over 3.5 billion, is allocated to developing a new counter-drone capability (C-UAS) with final deliveries brought forward by eight years, from 2036 to 2028.
– The government has decided to strengthen & accelerate the development of the Swedish Armed Forces' drone protection. We will invest over 5 billion in more counter-drone systems & in increased availability of the Gripen system. Delivery times are shortened by 8 years from final deliveries in 2036 to 2028, writes Defence Minister Pål Jonson on X.
According to the government, the new counter-drone initiative will provide units with weapons and sensors to combat hostile drones. The initiative also includes hunter drones for the protection of air bases, as well as jammers and warning devices in both soldier-carried and vehicle-mounted versions.
– It involves, among other things, weapons to shoot down drones, hunter drones for our air bases & jamming sensors for both soldiers and vehicles. This will significantly strengthen our defence capability, Jonson further writes.
In addition, 1.5 billion kronor is directed towards increasing the availability and endurance of the JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft system. The funds will be used for additional spare parts, mission equipment, and base materials, which according to the government, enables deployment across more air bases and the ability to operate from temporary road bases.
– We will purchase more spare parts, mission equipment, and materials to be able to operate at air and road bases. This strengthens the Gripen's availability and endurance in peace, crisis, and war, writes the Defence Minister.
The funding is sourced from the 25 billion kronor allocated in the spring amendment budget for so-called opportunistic purchases. This is the first time the funds are being used.
– The recent violations and drone observations are a reminder that threats from the air are an increasingly significant part of modern warfare. We must defend ourselves against this. Therefore, we are making this special investment through the opportunistic funds of 25 billion, concludes Jonson.