The government announced today that they have decided to allocate one billion to the Swedish Armed Forces between 2024–2032 to develop their space capability. This involves improving the Swedish Armed Forces' space situational awareness, expanding the infrastructure at the Esrange space base, and enabling the Swedish Armed Forces to launch several satellites into space.

The government announced today that they have decided to allocate one billion to the Swedish Armed Forces between 2024–2032 to develop their space capability. This involves improving the Swedish Armed Forces' space situational awareness, expanding the infrastructure at the Esrange space base, and enabling the Swedish Armed Forces to launch several satellites into space.

– Sweden has unique opportunities and capabilities with our geostrategic location, our knowledge base, and space infrastructure. Through this investment, we strengthen our role as a prominent space nation, says Defence Minister Pål Jonson.

Space threats are numerous and growing. This includes state and non-state actors targeting Swedish and allied space infrastructure, space debris, and the risk that military operations increasingly move into space. Therefore, the Swedish Armed Forces need to be able to meet new security threats against Sweden, the government states in the press release.

The government has therefore authorised the Swedish Armed Forces to procure a space base platform for approximately one billion during the years 2024–2032. This enables the Swedish Armed Forces to increase their space portfolio in various areas, such as space-based reconnaissance and surveillance, independent launch capability, and military space situational awareness.

This decision also contributes to developing NATO's space policy and strengthens the alliance's collective space capability.

The launch of military satellites will begin in the late 2020s and proceed in several phases. The space billion will enable a responsive launch capability, meaning that the Swedish Armed Forces will be able to quickly launch new satellites to replace damaged satellites in orbit.

The decision is in accordance with Sweden's defence and security strategy for space, which the government adopted on 4 July.